09/09/2026
Brgy. Macambol officials, IP leaders refute DavOr guv: ‘We are not anti-development
MATI CITY — Barangay officials and Indigenous Political Structure (IPS) leaders of Barangays Macambol and Cabuaya on Wednesday strongly refuted Davao Oriental Governor Nelson Dayanghirang's recent statement, calling his claim that they are anti-development both misleading and unfair to the communities they represent.
The officials and tribal leaders clarified that they were never asked to pass a resolution on road infrastructure projects. Instead, the draft document was a proposed resolution opposing Hallmark Mining Corporation’s (HMC) operations—a measure they firmly declined to endorse.
"Our communities cannot pass such a resolution because many of our residents are already employed at HMC, which has been a vital partner in local development," the leaders said. "The governor's statement misrepresents our position and undermines the truth."
The officials emphasized that the governor’s refusal to pursue the road project connecting Macambol and Cabuaya is not due to any failure on their part, but rather his insistence on tying infrastructure development to an anti-mining resolution.
“We categorically deny the governor’s claim. Our barangays have always supported initiatives that bring progress, but we cannot be coerced into passing a resolution that would jeopardize jobs, services, and the well-being of our people,” the IPS leaders said.
Resumption of Laluca Road construction
In a recent press conference, Dayanghirang announced the resumption of the construction of the 25-30-kilometer Lanca-Luban-Cabuaya (Laluca) Coastal Road connecting Barangays Macambol and Cabuaya, citing its importance for emergency access and community development.
"In case of emergency, pila ka oras ang ilang biyahe bago makaabot sa Mati. Ug makonek na 'to ang Macambol to Cabuaya, dali ra kayo," he said, emphasizing the urgent need for the road connection.
The governor admitted to a major roadblock: the road alignment passes through the tenement area of a mining corporation, requiring permission to proceed.
"Ang part sa agihanan, is part sa tenement sa mining corporation. Dili tayo paagiho'n," Dayanghirang was quoted as saying.
What reportedly troubled the governor more was the lack of support from the two barangays that would directly benefit from the project.
"Adunay duha ka barangay nga wa ang yun naghatag ug support… ang kapitan sa Macambol ug ang kapitan sa Cabuaya, nga sila'y immediate beneficiary sa himoo na 'tong dalan, sila pa'y wa mohatag ug suporta," he lamented. "So ug kamo sa akong kahimtang, nga andam taga na mo tabang, unya imong tabangan wa'y gana, wa'y suporta. Maluya man sab ta, 'di ba?"
Claim misleading
Barangays Macambol and Cabuaya host HMC, whose Social Development Management Program has poured millions into projects directly benefiting residents. These include essential infrastructure, health services, and education programs that have uplifted livelihoods and strengthened community welfare.
Resolution the governor asked for
A copy of the obtained proposed resolution, which was still uncatalogued, further substantiates their position and exposes the discrepancy in the governor's public statement.
Barangay Resolution No. __, Series of 2025, titled "A Resolution Urging the Provincial Government of Davao Oriental, the City Government of Mati, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Region XI, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to Take Immediate and Decisive Action Against the Destructive Effects of Mining Operations in Barangay Macambol and Barangay Cabuaya, Mati City," was the document the governor wanted them to pass.
The resolution cites "observable and alarming environmental degradation," including soil erosion, siltation of rivers and coastal areas, deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and threats to the Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It also points to disruptions in water sources, agricultural lands, and the cultural displacement of indigenous communities as key concerns.
Residents maintain that they have not witnessed any environmental violations in their communities. In fact, the waters of Pujada Bay in their area are cleaner than in other coastal areas.
They said the DENR and MGB conduct regular inspections—and if any violation existed, they, as host community members, would have known.
Conflict of priorities
The clash highlights a fundamental disconnect between the provincial government's approach and the barangays' actual needs.
HMC has created over a thousand jobs for community residents, awarded 347 college scholarships—almost 60 of the recipients have already graduated from college and now help sustain their families' needs—eased transportation for high school students by providing free bus rides to and from school, and equipped schools with solar lights to prevent class interruptions during power outages, among others.
Hallmark Mining Corporation, which operates in the area, has previously maintained its commitment to responsible mining and even expanded its SDMP beyond host barangays. Residents of barangays Mamali, Dawan, and Luban also benefit from health services, calamity aid, and college scholarships.
The officials and IPS leaders of Macambol and Cabuaya call on the provincial government to prioritize genuine development projects without political conditions and to respect the voices of communities striving for both progress and dignity.
"We are not anti-development—we are pro-community," the leaders reiterated. # # #
