The City Government of Tagum thru the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in partnership with the Department of Natural Resources (DENR) identified three (3) Marine Protected Areas along the coastline of Tancuan Creek to the proposed port of Hijo Resources Corporation  during the conduct of Coastal and Marine Habitat Mapping and Reconnaissance Survey.

Due to this, the City of Tagum, Hijo Resources Corporation, and the Department of Science and Technology Region XI entered into a partnership by signing a Memorandum of Agreement last October 27, 2020. The agreement stipulated that all parties shall fully cooperate in activities and other initiatives relative to the protection and conservation of these designated Marine Protected Areas. The City’s move to enter into the said MOA hopes to create impact not only on the environmental preservation, but also on the socio-economic and over-all well-being of people living in the immediate community.

The signing of the said MOA was attended by CENRO’s Head Vivian Bahalla and some of the LGU employees, Hijo Resources Corporation’s employees, DOST Region XI representatives, and DENR representatives.

Mayor Allan L. Rellon, Vice-chairperson and CEO of Hijo Resources Corporation Rosanna T. Fores, and DOST Regional Director Anthony Sales signed on behalf of their respective parties to honor the said agreement.

The event was held at Lanikai, Hijo Resorts at Madaum, Tagum City.