An environmental group has urged authorities to halt mining activities in the Mt. Hamiguitan Mountain Range, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Davao Oriental. The area, known for its rich biodiversity, acts as a natural barrier against floods and typhoons for nearby communities, including Governor Generoso, San Isidro, and Mati City.
“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,” said IDIS Program Coordinator Lemuel Manalo.
Mining, particularly in Barangay Macambol, Mati City, has reportedly damaged around 200 hectares of the mountain. IDIS warned that the destruction could also threaten nearby protected zones like 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.
The group called for non-renewal of mining licenses to protect the mountain. “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,” he said.
The provincial government previously announced it would issue a resolution suspending mining operations in the area.