Overwhelming Voter Approval Sees Davao del Norte Municipality and Barangay Officially Renamed
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced late Saturday, April 11, 2026, the successful ratification of two significant name changes in Davao del Norte. According to official results from twin plebiscites held that day, the Municipality of San Isidro will now be known as the Municipality of Sawata, while Barangay Sawata has been renamed Barangay Poblacion.
Landslide Victory in Municipal Renaming Plebiscite
The poll body reported a decisive outcome for the municipal renaming, with a total of 7,555 voters casting "yes" ballots compared to a mere 81 "no" votes. This represents an overwhelming approval rate of over 98 percent among those who participated. The Comelec recorded a voter turnout of 36 percent, with 7,664 individuals voting out of the 20,970 registered voters in the Municipality of San Isidro.
Strong Support for Barangay Name Change
Similarly, the barangay renaming plebiscite saw robust voter endorsement. A total of 1,226 voters approved the change to Barangay Poblacion, while only 21 opposed it. This translates to an approval rate exceeding 98 percent as well. Voter turnout for this plebiscite was slightly higher at 38 percent, with 1,253 voters participating out of 3,291 registered voters in Barangay Sawata.
Legal Basis and Official Certification
The Comelec emphasized that the data is based on the official Certificates of Canvass of Votes and Proclamation by both the Municipal Plebiscite Board of Canvassers and the Barangay Plebiscite Board of Canvassers. These documents were dated April 11, 2026, and formally ratify the renaming of the Municipality of San Isidro to Municipality of Sawata and Barangay Sawata to Barangay Poblacion in Davao del Norte.
The name changes are authorized under Republic Act 11814, which stipulates that such alterations become effective upon ratification by a majority of votes cast in separate plebiscites conducted by the Comelec. With the successful plebiscites, the new names are now officially in effect, marking a historic moment for the local communities involved.
