On March 16, 2022, Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan represented by its President, Fr Mars P. Tan, SJ, inked Memoranda of Agreement with the City Government of Cagayan de Oro represented by its Mayor, Hon. Oscar S Moreno for the former’s donation of a 5-ha land to the city. The parcel of land, part of XU’s El Gaucho property, is intended for the two projects of the city: a) Socialized Housing (3-hectares) and b) Integrated School (2 hectares) for Upper Puerto. Dr Cherry Mae Limbaco Reyes, School Division Superintendent and Hon. Rustico Achas. Barangay Chair of Upper Puerto, were also MOA signatories of the donated educational site for the school.

Upper Row: Fr Mars Tan, SJ (XU President), Mayor Oscar Moreno (CDO Mayor), Dr.Cherry Mae Limbaco-Reyes (DepEd City Division Superintendent); Lower Row: City Councilor Suzette Magtajas-Daba, Engr Ermin Pimentel (CHUDD Department Head), City Councilor Edgar Cabanlas

The land donation was initiated by Fr Roberto Yap, SJ (former XU President) with the support of City Mayor Oscar Moreno. According to Fr Mars Tan, SJ, he was happy and proud that XU was able to contribute to the city’s many commendable projects for the people of Cagayan de Oro and its barangays. Fr Mars added that XU had also offered to participate in helping organize and form communities in the resettlement site in the future.

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The MOA signing event, a happy “reunion” of many Xavier Ateneo alumni, successfully concluded with shared gratitude among the partnerships made by the CDO City Government, Department of Education, Barangay Puerto, and Xavier University. Fr Mars thanked Mayor Oscar Moreno, CHUDD Department Head, Engr Ermin Pimentel, city legal officer, Atty Jose Sabanal, Coun. Ed Cabanlas, and Coun. Suzette Magtajas-Daba, the XU team, Dr Libby Abesamis, Executive Assistant to the President, Mr Roel Ravanera, Executive Director of Xavier Science Foundation, XU Manresa Farm Manager, Mr. Hernando Pacana, and many others who helped in making the initiative a reality.

Among other XU-donated land properties to the City LGU are the site of the present Xavier Ecoville in Brgy Lumbia for the Sendong victims and the present site of Fr William Masterson Elementary School along Masterson Avenue, Upper Balulang.