Malanyaon legacy
Malanyaon has prioritized the development of the tourism sector as one of its primary economic drivers
In 2014, the province of Davao Oriental captured the spotlight when Mount Hamiguitan Wildlife Sanctuary was inscribed as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site.
Since then, Mount Hamiguitan, which is home to the biggest pygmy forest in the
world, became one for outdoor lovers.

But behind the inscription of the unique mountain range was the province’s visionary leader the late Gov. Corazon Malanyaon, who had run in three elections unopposed since 2013.
Since she was elected as governor, Malanyaon has prioritized the development of the tourism sector as one of its primary economic drivers.
Thus, aside from Mount Hamiguitan, the stretch of white sand beaches along the shores of Dahican in the City of Mati, the cascading Aliwagwag waterfalls in Cateel and Pusan Point in Caraga have become popular tourist spots in the region.
To ensure the conservation of the natural wonders in the province, Malanyaon also expressed her strong opposition against mining operations emphasizing that her administration will never make the extractive industry a priority. Since she could no longer stop the existing mining tenements, she ensured the strict implementation of mining regulations for the protection of the environment.
Malanyaon was reelected unopposed in the 2022 elections. However, she passed away last June 2023 at the age of 73. Her successor, Vice Governor Niño Uy, carried on the legacy of the late governor on environmental protection when he also emphasized that he will no longer entertain new mining applications in the province.