Davao Oriental wants Hamiguitan declared as world heritage site

DAVAO ORIENTAL, Philippines – The provincial government is seeking the approval of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) for the Mt. Hamiguitan Range to be declared as a World Heritage Site. Rochie Ravelo, barangay captain of Magsaysay in Lupon, Davao Oriental, said they are now preparing their presentation for the Unesco officials who are expected to arrive Tuesday. It was learned that Governor Corazon Malanyaon had earlier forwarded the formal information to Unesco. Ravelo said the Mt. Hamiguitan Range situated in the boundaries of Mati City, Governor Generoso and San Isidro towns in Davao Oriental is host to 2,000 hectares of bonsai forest and other fora and fauna endemic in the province. Provincial Board Member and former San Isidro mayor Tina Yu said the mountain range is also host to a plant that is now being studied by scientists as a possible cure for cancer. The Mt. Hamiguitan Range has a total area of 6,834 hectares. Ravelo said that with the declaration of Mt. Hamiguitan as a world heritage site, the mountain would be more protected despite its earlier declaration as a protected area by the Philippine government. Governor Malanyaon earlier said that she plans to make Mt. Hamiguitan as her province's showcase to invite tourists and investors. – Sun.Star Davao