DAVAO CITY – The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) has strongly objected to a political analyst's recent comparison of Mindanao’s human development status to that of Sub-Saharan African countries.
“I come from the north of the country where our human development index is almost at the level of Southern Europe. But if you go to Mindanao, their human development index is at a Sub-Saharan African level,” Richard Heydarian said.
Hydarian’s statement went viral on social media and drew criticisms and reactions from the public, particularly in Mindanao. Digital content creators made videos showing what the world can expect in Sub-Saharan Mindanao.
MinDA Chairman Secretary Leo Tereso A. Magno said that while critical discussions are welcome, such narratives must be grounded in accurate data and cultural sensitivity, avoiding outdated stereotypes that undermine the region's progress.
Magno said Mindanao, home to 26 million Filipinos and covering 102,021.92-square kilometers, plays a vital role in Philippine progress.
As the country’s food basket, Magno said Mindanao contributes 45 percent of the national food trade, 42 percent of total fish production, and uses a third of its land for agriculture, “ensuring food security across the Philippines.”
The island’s Human Development Index (HDI) reached 0.68 in 2022, slightly below the national average of 0.71 but still surpassing the aggregate HDI of Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
MinDA also noted that all regions in Mindanao, including the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), have consistently improved health, education, and economic opportunities over the past five years.
“These gains did not happen by chance. The passage of the Republic Act 11054 – Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) – and sustained peace-building efforts have paved the way for a more stable, self-reliant, and empowered Mindanao,” Magno said.
Magno attributed the progress of Mindanao to ongoing peace-building efforts and the passage of the BOL. He also highlighted the resilience of the Mindanaoan spirit, shaped by adversity and strengthened by unity, as a driving force behind its transformation.
In addition, Magno said that Mindanao remains a cornerstone of the national economy, exporting nearly 90 percent of its food production to other parts of the country, further reinforcing economic stability.
The MinDA encouraged Filipinos, particularly those who influence public perception, to move beyond harmful generalizations, engage with facts, and have unity and empathy in national discourse to reflect the region’s strength and potential.
Magno said that Mindanao is not a region defined by struggle but one of opportunity, progress, and hope – where every gain benefits the nation. He added that “every Mindanaoan matters.”
Davao City third congressional district Rep. Isidro T. Ungab, in his opening remarks during the Solidarity Night on Sunday, addressed the crowd following the comparison of Mindanao to Sub-Saharan Africa.
“Unfortunately, many people in Manila are unaware of how prosperous Davao region and Mindanao are. We are the leading exporters, supplying most of the country’s fruits and fish,” Ungab said.
The Mindanao Tech, an official student publication of the University of Southern Mindanao, said in a column that the comment on Mindanao is not really about the HDI level but “it is the Manila-centric mindset that shows.”
It added that it is fine and unsurprising as it simply echoes the deeply rooted Manila-centric mindset that progress and civilization begin and end in Luzon.
“Mindanaoans are not butthurt. We are just tired of the arrogance. If anything, it’s the narcissism of some Manileños that makes them believe their region defines the nation. Go ahead and enjoy your daily traffic, polluted air, overpriced coffees, and floods after a bit of rain,” the student paper said.
“We will be here, grounded, thriving, and proud, without needing to trample others just to feel superior.”
Heydarian has been tagged persona non grata in some areas in Mindanao – Valencia City in Bukidnon, Isabela City in Basilan, and El Salvador City in Misamis Oriental.
The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Isabela City declared Heydarian as persona non grata due to his controversial remark.
According to the resolution authored by Councilor Abner Rodriguez, the statement is an insult to the understanding and respect owed to the people of Mindanao.
It added that the remark was inaccurate and perpetuated a negative image of Mindanao and its people.
El Salvador City said Heydarian released a negatively implicating, false statement about Mindanao which deeply affected all Mindanaoans, including constituents, in a CNN interview.
The city government said Heydarian disrespected Mindanao by globally comparing it to Sub-Saharan Africa in terms of HDI. Not only is this comparison baseless, it brings unnecessary hatred and shame upon our land and people, it added.
The United Nations Development Program said South Mindanao has an HDI that is far better than numerous areas in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The city government said that Heydarian’s misrepresentation is creating an unfavorable image of Mindanao among the global audience of CNN, and this action is diluting the efforts in uplifting the home region Mindanao where El Salvador City is located.