In a dialogue, DENR Cagayan Valley Regional Executive Director Gwendolyn Bambalan and CEZA Secretary and Chief Executive Officer Katrina Ponce Enrile revisited the previous Memoranda of Agreement signed in 1997, 1998 and 2020 binding these agencies to preserve the natural resources, promote ecotourism and enhance social development in the community.

They discussed measures to adapt to climate change and to fight disaster risks particularly this onslaught of the El Niño Phenomenon.

With other environment and CEZA officials, the discussion was anchored with the DENR's one control map environment profile of Sta. Ana presented by Cagayan PENR Officer Enrique Pasion.

The map covering the municipality's land area of over 44,000 hectares provided spatial basis in identifying the natural resources including challenges that are confronting the locality.

The CEZA officials also discussed their plans to ensure the protection of the forests and coastal resources and to promote ecotourism activities in said town.

To enhance forest protection efforts, the DENR committed to conduct regular monitoring and surveillance to forest conservation areas in collaboration with law enforcement agencies.

By virtue of Republic Act No. 7922 known as the "Cagayan Special Economic Zone Act of 1995," the CEZA is mandated to protect, preserve, maintain and develop the forests, beaches, corals and coral reefs within the Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Free Port and nearby islands.#