Group calls to end mining in Mt. Hamiguitan in Davao Oriental

An environmental group has called for an end to mining activities in Mt. Hamiguitan Mountain Range, a protected area recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

According to the Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (IDIS), the Mt. Hamiguitan is similar to the Sierra Madre in Luzon, which plays a critical role in mitigating natural disasters such as typhoons.

IDIS said Mt. Hamiguitan, which is abundant in biodiversity, helps protect communities in Davao Oriental, including Governor Generoso, San Isidro, Mati City, and surrounding towns, particularly during floods and typhoons.

"Ang Mt. Hamiguitan ang wildlife range niya also acts like the Sierra Madre in Luzon in typhoon ginatabangan sa Mt. Hamiguitan ang Governor Generosso, san Isidro, Mati City, and all the municipalities in Davao Oriental," IDIS Program Coordinator, Enp. Lemuel Manalo, said.

However, mining activities, particularly in Barangay Macambol, Mati City, have reportedly become a threat to the mountain range.

In October 2025, the provincial government released photos showing around 200 hectares of Mt. Hamiguitan allegedly damaged due to mining activities.

IDI said the destruction of Mt. Hamiguitan not only affects the area but also threatens neighboring protected zones, including Pujada Bay.

"We are one with the provincial government in calling out the mining issue in Mt. Hamiguitan. When it comes sa environmental and watershed management dili siya bounded kung asa lang tong jurisdiction of their license," Manalo added.

IDIS urged authorities not to renew mining licenses in order to protect the area.

"So among call is dili na ma-renew ang license because gina-value nato ang mga protected area limited na lang sa years of operation as much as possible ma-terminate na ang agreement para mapapahulay na ang areas sa Mt. Hamiguitan," Manalo said.

The provincial government said earlier that it will issue a resolution suspending mining operations in the area. — GMA Regional TV