Cagdianao Mining Corporation (CMC), an affiliate of Nickel Asia Corporation forged a partnership with Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Caraga on the adoption of three important water bodies around its mine site as part of its commitment to protect and conserve the environment.

CMC and EMB formalized the partnership for the adoption of Maraguing Creek, Pinagbahan Creek, and Boa River in a signing ceremony on February 5, 2019 at Almont Inland Resort, Butuan City.

Water is a vital necessity of the community, and its protection and preservation has long been considered by CMC as an important advocacy in partnership with community stakeholders.

EMB's Adopt-an-Estero/Water Body Program was launched in 2010 and has since mobilized communities, private entities, local government units and government agencies to address water pollution.

In Caraga Region, EMB—an attached agency of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)—has particularly tapped mining companies to “adopt” waterways, rivers or creeks, in an effort to restore them to their pristine state.

CMC's MOA with EMB in the adoption of the three water bodies is signed by EMB-13 OIC Director Albert G. Arcamo, EMB-13 OIC Chief for Environmental Monitoring and Enforcement Division (EMED) Renato C. Tacubao, CMC Resident Mine Manager Engr. Arnilo C. Milaor, Hon. Gesrael C. Tillo and Hon. Divine E. Eupeña, the barangay chairpersons of Brgy. Valencia and Boa in the municipality of Cagdianao.

All the stakeholders consider the MOA signing as proof of what public-private partnership can achieve to improve the physical conditions of creeks, rivers and other waterways in the country.

EMB-23 has earlier awarded CMC with a certificate of commendation in recognition with the company's clean-up activities of creeks and other water bodies in its mine site last year.

CMC and its community stakeholders will sustain the protection of vital water bodies for the benefit of the present and future generations.