Hijo Resources Corporation Vice-Chairman, President, and CEO Rosanna Tuason-Fores was recently appointed honorary consul to the newly opened Norwegian Consulate in Davao. Consul Rosanna is also the current president of the Tuason Development Foundation and previously served as president of the Tourism Congress of the Philippines. She has extensive experience in agriculture, hospitality, and business process outsourcing, where she has made strides in these various industries. She also received the Signum Meriti Medal of Saint Paul School of Business and Law, Inc. for her exemplary achievements in business, education, tourism, agribusiness, and property development.
The ceremonial opening of the Consulate in Davao was led by Ambassador Christian Halaas Lyster who recognized the importance of the Mindanao region in various cooperation in sectors such as maritime, renewable energy, seafood, and circular economy. Norway also had significant work for peacekeeping in BARMM, where Norway currently serves as vice-chair of the Independent Decommissioning Body (IDB) for the transition of the Bangsamoro government.
Food security and agriculture are also becoming important points of cooperation in Mindanao where Norwegian company Yara has touched base with Davao’s agricultural industry for cacao and durian. The cooperation aims to improve the yield of farm produce and the livelihood of the local farmers in Mindanao.
Maritime education is also an important point in cooperation in Mindanao. The Norwegian Shipowners Association manages the maritime education program with the DSCP Maritime College in Davao City where 330 cadets are undergoing training.
The Consulate in Davao will have jurisdiction over Davao and in Mindanao and will cover consular and related affairs.
“We are excited to open the new consulate in Davao. We have been in Mindanao region for our initiatives for peace, and we hope to further strengthen our work in the region in other areas as well as food security through Norwegian businesses,” said Norwegian Ambassador Lyster.