LUPON, DAVAO ORIENTAL — Alarmed by the growing impact of mining activities on Indigenous Peoples (IPs), landowners, and traditional leaders, Barangay Marayag officials formally elevated their concerns to the provincial government in a high-level dialogue aimed at balancing development and environmental protection.
The delegation, led by Barangay Captain Joselito Limendog, met with Nelson L. Dayanghirang on January 20, 2026, to discuss the mounting challenges faced by communities in Barangay Marayag, Municipality of Lupon, particularly those affecting IP communities, private landowners, and tribal chieftains.
During the meeting, Governor Dayanghirang underscored the importance of sustained consultation and inclusive planning, stressing that any use of natural resources must be clearly defined and carefully managed. He called for the identification of specific zones for resource utilization to prevent environmental degradation and to directly address the fears and grievances of affected residents.
The governor also emphasized that the management of Davao Oriental’s natural wealth should prioritize the welfare of its people. Any extractive activity, he said, must comply strictly with existing laws and local processes, ensuring that benefits flow first to local communities while safeguarding ecological integrity.
Both parties highlighted the crucial role of cooperation among barangay, municipal, and provincial governments in resolving mining-related issues. They agreed that open dialogue and coordinated action are essential to achieving responsible resource management—one that protects ancestral domains, respects land rights, and promotes sustainable development.
The meeting reflects increasing calls from grassroots communities for greater accountability in mining operations, as Davao Oriental continues to grapple with the complex challenge of harnessing its natural resources without compromising the rights of Indigenous Peoples or the health of its environment.