San Isidro Officially Renamed Municipality of Sawata Following Decisive Plebiscite
In a landmark decision that reshapes local identity, the Municipality of San Isidro in Davao del Norte has been officially renamed the Municipality of Sawata. This historic change comes after a successful plebiscite held on April 11, 2026, where residents overwhelmingly voted in favor of the measure.
Overwhelming Public Support for the Name Change
Official results from the plebiscite revealed a resounding approval, with 7,555 "Yes" votes cast against only 81 "No" votes. This decisive outcome underscores strong community backing for the transition to Sawata, a name deeply rooted in the area's historical and indigenous heritage.
In addition to the municipal renaming, voters also supported the change of Barangay Sawata to Barangay Poblacion. This secondary measure secured 1,420 "Yes" votes versus 21 "No" votes, further streamlining local administrative structures.
Legal and Historical Foundations of the Renaming
The Municipal Plebiscite Board of Canvassers formally proclaimed the results in accordance with Republic Act No. 11814. Commission on Elections (Comelec) Plebiscite Municipal Board of Canvassers Head EO Ipore D. Duot announced during the proclamation, "I will now proclaim that the Barangay Sawata will be officially called as Barangay Poblacion and the Municipality of San Isidro will be officially called as Municipality of Sawata, Province of Davao del Norte."
Historical records indicate that Sawata is the original indigenous name of the area, making this change a significant step toward reclaiming and honoring local cultural heritage.
Moderate Voter Turnout and Legislative Background
Voter turnout for the plebiscite reached approximately 36 percent of the town's 20,990 registered voters, reflecting modest but meaningful participation in the ratification process. The plebiscite was conducted following the passage of Republic Act No. 11814, which lapsed into law on June 2, 2022. The Commission on Elections later scheduled the vote through Resolution No. 11202 issued on March 4, 2026.
The renaming initiative was propelled by House Bill No. 9452, authored by Davao del Norte 1st District Representative Pantaleon Alvarez. The bill was approved by Congress in 2021 and 2022, setting the stage for this transformative change.
Strengthening Local Identity and Governance
Based on the plebiscite results, the approved changes are intended to strengthen local identity and improve administrative clarity in governance. Supporters of the measure argue that the revisions will make local structures more coherent and easier for residents to understand, particularly in terms of jurisdiction, public service delivery, and representation.
Originally established as the Municipality of San Isidro on June 26, 2004, under Republic Act No. 9265, the town was formed from barangays carved out of Asuncion and Kapalong. With a population of 27,552 based on the 2024 census, it remains the least populated municipality in Davao del Norte.
Sawata's Agricultural Heritage and Economic Backbone
Beyond the name change, Sawata continues to build its identity as a prominent agricultural hub, with cacao production serving as the backbone of its local economy. The town is widely recognized for producing sikwate, a traditional chocolate drink made from locally processed tablea. Much of this production is handled by Chocolate de San Isidro (CSI), a private firm whose products have reached export markets.
Due to this thriving industry, the municipality has earned the distinction as the "Chocolate Hub" of Davao del Norte, celebrated annually through the Sikwate Festival held every October. Records show that as early as 2006, the town had around 3,600 hectares of cacao farms, supporting a growing industry that produces thousands of metric tons of cacao beans.
During its early years, the municipality also showcased what was considered one of the largest tablea products, measuring about 2.5 meters in diameter and weighing roughly 500 kilograms.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite having basic market infrastructure in place, local development remains a work in progress, partly due to its proximity to the provincial center where much of the trade and commerce are concentrated. Local officials emphasize that the renaming symbolizes unity among residents and reflects a renewed vision for sustained growth.
With the plebiscite now ratified, authorities are expected to begin updating official documents, records, and public signage to reflect the municipality's new name. This transition marks a pivotal moment in Sawata's journey toward enhanced community cohesion and economic vitality.
