t under my watch,” said Gov. Sol F. Matugas as she thanked Adnama Mining Resources Inc. (AMRI) for initiating a noble undertaking to determine the sea water and coral reef conditions in the waters-off Claver. This she made during the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on the Assessment of Seawater Quality and Coral Reef Conditions in Claver, Surigao del Norte, last August 7, 2012 at the Guyam Hall, Phil. Gateway Hotel, in Surigao City.
Saying that the project speaks clearly of the active partnership between government and the private sector, particularly mining companies, “We made great headways in my HEALS agenda mainly because the mining companies have been of great help to us, without strings attached, in keeping a shared commitment to give meaning and significance to responsible mining,” she pointed out.
It was learned that AMRI contracted the professional marine biology services of the Cebu City based University of San Carlos-Water Resources Center Foundation, Inc. (USC-WRCFI), costing some Php 1.4 million, to conduct the study. Aside from ADNAMA, LGU of Surigao del Norte, and USC-WRCFI), other parties to the MOA include the Environment Management Bureau (DENR-EMB in Caraga) and the Mines and Geo-Sciences Bureau-Caraga (MGB-Caraga).

Also present during the signing ceremony were: AMRI top officials led by their President Fernando S. Borja and Atty. Ulfredo Tuyac, VP for Legal Affairs; Ms. Fe Walag, Director/Manager for Special Projects, USC-WRCFI; Engr. Charlo Basadre of MGB-R13; and Engr. Renato Tacubao of EMB-Caraga.
The project seeks to check on the quality of seawater within the 10 kilometers radius from Brgy. Urbiztondo, Claver where Adnama’s mining operations in the province is based. Likewise it seeks to determine the status of the coral reefs in the same area and identify potential diving spot’s, in support to the province’s tourism program.
During the occasion, Gov. Matugas called on those involved in the project to expand the project’s coverage to include determining the areas for Minahan ng Bayan in Brgy. Mat-i, Surigao City and the delineation of boundaries with the already established city watershed area.
“This will assist us to ensure adequate potable water for the city and at the same time eradicating illegal mining operations, there,” said the 1st Lady Governor of the province. In response, AMRI President Fernando S. Borja expressed his companies’ willingness to support Gov. Matugas effort.
Citing the role of the private sector, Gov. Matugas said, “In my 2 years stint as Governor, I am confident to say that the private sector has always been the moving force in my administration.”
Saying that the province is widely known as the mining hub of Caraga Region, Gov. Matugas reminded the players in the mining industry to closely adhere to the government’s policy on responsible mining.
“How to utilize this in the spirit of responsible mining is the common and shared responsibility by all, especially the mining companies in the province,” she pointed out as she emphasized that the industry, “. . .is the center of controversy. . . by some who make people believe that mining s ideally destructive to the environment. However, as Governor, it is my responsibility to provide what is best that life can offer, and that is through quality governance,” she added.