The Davao Oriental provincial government has moved to address the discovery of about 200 hectares of bald mountain area in Barangay Macambol, Mati City, allegedly caused by mining operations.
Governor Nelson Dayanghirang personally led a dialogue with stakeholders after reports confirmed the mining activity had stripped large parts of the mountain and affected plans for a major road project connecting the barangays of Macambol, Cabuaya, Luban, and Lanca.
Dayanghirang said the province must prioritize protecting the environment, especially since the mining site is near the buffer zone of the Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The governor emphasized that continued operations could endanger the biodiversity and long-term sustainability of the area.
The provincial government plans to pass a resolution through the Sangguniang Panlalawigan urging public support to halt the mining operations in Macambol. The move seeks to preserve both the environment and the province’s ecological balance.
In a statement, Hallmark Mining Corporation acknowledged the provincial government’s environmental concerns and said it was making efforts to preserve the local ecosystem. However, the company expressed concern for its thousands of workers who may lose their jobs if the operation is stopped.
The mining firm appealed for unity and continued dialogue with government agencies to find a balanced solution that protects both livelihoods and the environment.
