In a significant move for the local mining sector, the province of Davao de Oro has officially established a new Minahang Bayan or people's mining area. The declaration was formalized on Friday, January 16, 2026, at the provincial capitol in Nabunturan.
A New Frontier for Regulated Small-Scale Mining
Provincial Governor Raul G. Mabanglo led the signing ceremony, joined by key officials including Beverly Mae M. Brebante, the Regional Director of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB)-Davao and Chairperson of the Provincial Mining Regulatory Board (PMRB). The newly declared area spans 81 hectares located in Sitio Tagpura, Barangay Camanlangan, New Bataan.
This declaration legally opens the door for qualified small-scale mining cooperatives to apply for permits to operate within the designated zone. The initiative was spearheaded by the Tagpura Small-Scale Mining Cooperative (Tasmico), which received guidance from the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (Penro). Notably, this Minahang Bayan is the first in Davao de Oro to secure the crucial Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary's Clearance.
Governor's Vision: From Gold-Rich Land to Local Prosperity
During the signing event, Governor Mabanglo highlighted the critical role of Minahang Bayan sites in a province abundant with gold resources. He pointed out a poignant irony: while Davao de Oro is gold-rich, its local government units often lack the precious metal for value-added industries.
"Very timely karon kay nagkamahal ang gold (It is very timely because gold now has become more expensive)," the governor stated. He cited the municipality of Monkayo as an example, which, despite hosting the famed Diwalwal mining area and having trained jewelers, ends up working with silver due to the LGU's lack of access to gold.
"Pero unsaon ta man nga wala man silay gold?... Trained ilang mga tao, pero wala silay gold. Ang result nga gipakita ang ilahang mga jewelry na nahimo, silver," Mabanglo explained.
He expressed hope that the new Minahang Bayan would prevent such a scenario for the beneficiary cooperatives, enabling them to directly benefit from the province's mineral wealth.
A Commitment to Responsible Resource Development
Governor Mabanglo concluded with a message of congratulations and a firm directive to Tasmico. "Congratulations to Tasmico, nga kamo ang unang nareleasan og Secretary's clearance... I hope nga kanang responsible mining ug tarung nga pagmina inyong buhaton," he urged.
He also assured continued provincial support for the mining communities, stating his administration would assist with their needs as capacity allows.
This development marks a pivotal step towards legally and responsibly regulating small-scale mining in the region. It aims to provide sustainable livelihood opportunities for local residents while instituting a framework for environmental protection and community-focused resource management.
