Mawab

Mawab, officially the Municipality of Mawab (Cebuano: Lungsod sa Mawab; Tagalog: Bayan ng Mawab), is a municipality in the province of Davao de Oro, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 39,631 people, making it the least populated municipality in the province.
Mawab was originally called by the early tribal group as 'Ma-awag' (wide valley). There are four rivers traversing Mawab, namely: Hijo, Mawab, Galinan, and Gumawan. There are several tribal groups in Mawab: Mansakas, Mandayas, and Dibabawons.
Mawab was organized into a municipality through Executive Order No. 351, issued by President Carlos P. Garcia on August 14, 1959. It consists of three barrios of Nabunturan, and three of Tagum, including Barrio Mawab which was designated as the seat of government, all then part of the old Davao province.
Mawab is bounded by the municipalities of Nabunturan, Davao de Oro, in the north-west; Montevista, Davao de Oro, and New Bataan, Davao de Oro, in the north-east; Maragusan, Davao de Oro (San Mariano) in the southeast; Municipalities of Maco, Davao de Oro, municipality of Mabini, Davao de Oro, and municipality of Pantukan, Davao de Oro in the south-west.
Municipality of Mawab due to its abundance and richness of trees, and rainforest does not normally experience floody climate during rainy season. However landslides occur in some areas. The river tributaries offer seasonal planting for agro-industrial businesses. Man-made fish ponds for fresh water fishes, that are privately owned are various opportunities for business entrepreneurs.
Mawab is politically subdivided into 11 barangays. Each barangay consists of puroks while some have sitios.
The prevailing climatic conditions in the municipality is categorized into two (2) types:
In the 2020 census, the population of Mawab was 39,631 people, with a density of 290 inhabitants per square kilometre or 750 inhabitants per square mile.
Ethnicity is varied and of mixed origin due to migration from different Major Islands: Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao.
Others are the 'Trival Group', 'Native Filipino' and some are of 'Chinese Ancestry': China. Those who immigrated from Mindanao Island, more specially from Zamboanga has 'Spanish Ancestry': Spain.
Majority of the populace are from two major islands of Visayas and Mindanao.
Languages spoken are products of migration of natives from different provinces of Visayas island, Mindanao island and some few in Luzon island.
Religion in Mawab is predominantly Roman Catholic, Protestant, and some Muslims.
Poverty incidence of Mawab
Elected officials 2019–Present:
Baronas Farm is the 5th largest farm in Mawab, Davao de Oro based on land area. It was founded on November 29, 1972. This farm is one of the most famous farms in Mawab, as it has a variety of fruits and vegetables. Currently, the farm is led by its CEO and head, Prime Minister Aihk Kenneth Barona, who is still planning the proposal for the farm to become a micronation country for economic, entertainment, and personal purposes. The farm now has coasts (referred to as provinces) and counties (referred to as municipalities). It is divided into 5 coasts: the North Coast, West Coast, Central Coast, East Coast, and South Coast, with each coast having 5 municipalities. The capital of Barona's Farm is Umahan Downtown, which serves as the heart and economic hub for selling rice, wheat, fruits, and vegetables produced on the farm.
The 5 coasts/provinces of Barona's Farm and their 5 counties:
North coast (Established and claimed: March 29, 1979)
West coast (Established and claimed: July 29, 1994)
Central coast (Established and claimed: December 19, 1972)
East Coast (Established and Claimed: December 28, 1972)
South Coast (Established and Claimed: December 28, 1972)
Mawab, Davao de Oro
Mawab is a municipality in the province of Davao de Oro, Philippines, serving as the gateway to the province. Established on June 18, 1966, it was originally part of Compostela before becoming an independent town. Mawab is known for its natural landscapes, agricultural economy, and rich biodiversity, making it a growing destination for ecotourism and sustainable development.
The municipality promotes tourism and local heritage under the brand “VIEWtiful Mawab: Where Golden Adventures Begin.” This branding reflects Mawab’s breathtaking panoramic views, diverse natural attractions, and exciting adventure opportunities, all set in the gold-rich lands of Davao de Oro.
Geography and Natural Attractions
Mawab is home to verdant forests rich in flora and fauna, including rare wildflowers and orchids that do not naturally thrive in Luzon. Its diverse ecosystem supports both local and migratory wildlife, making it an important area for environmental conservation. The municipality features numerous hot and cold springs, which are tributaries of the rivers that bound the valley. Among these are:
Bukal Hot Spring (Natural Well Hot Spring)
Mainit Hot Spring (Warm Hot Spring)
Mawab is also known for its picturesque waterfalls, caves, and peaks, making it a prime destination for eco-adventure tourism.
Potential Tourism Sites
Baras Falls (Barangay Andili) – A cascading waterfall surrounded by lush greenery, perfect for trekking and nature enthusiasts.
Kawakawa Falls (Barangay Andili) – Known for its refreshing cold waters and natural rock formations.
Bawani Peak (Barangay Bawani) – A vantage point offering panoramic views of Mawab’s mountains and valleys.
Kahayag Peak and Cave (Barangay Andili) – A popular hiking and spelunking destination featuring stunning landscapes and rock formations.
Mawab Golden Kaang (Barangay Bawani) – The center of Mawab’s white clay pottery production, showcasing the town’s rich artisanal heritage.
Salvacion View Deck (Barangay Salvacion) – A scenic viewpoint ideal for sightseeing and photography.
Prado Cave (Barangay Malinawon) – A hidden cave system with unique rock formations, perfect for cave explorers.
Culture and Festivals
Mawab celebrates the Kulonon Festival, a newly launched festival on August 14, 2024. The festival highlights the town’s culinary heritage, particularly its traditional earthenware cooking pots (kulon), which are made from Mawab’s signature white clay. The event features cultural performances, food showcases, and community activities that reflect Mawab’s rich traditions and craftsmanship.
Economy
Mawab’s economy is primarily agriculture-based, with local farmers engaged in the cultivation of rice, coconut, and bananas. The town is also known for its white clay pottery, a traditional industry that reflects its rich cultural heritage. Small-scale trade and mining activities further contribute to the local economy.
One of the most recognized agricultural sites in the municipality is:
Barona’s Farm-Umahan – Located in Barangay Poblacion, it is the most famous farm in Mawab. Owned by the Barona Family, it is currently managed by Prime Minister Aihk Kenneth Barona, the CEO and head of Barona’s Farm.
Military Presence
Mawab is home to Camp General Manuel Tecson Yan Sr., a major military installation of the Philippine Army.
Camp General Manuel Tecson Yan Sr. – Established on February 11, 2011, the camp is located in Barangay Tuboran. It serves as a memorial for General Manuel Tecson Yan Sr., a respected figure in the Philippine Army who passed away in 2008. The camp plays a vital role in maintaining peace and security in the region.
Infrastructure and Accessibility
Mawab features over 200 curved and cliffside roads, making it a notable transit point in Davao de Oro. These roads connect the town to nearby cities and municipalities, boosting both commerce and tourism.
Education in the Philippines is patterned from both of educational systems of Spain and the United States of America. However, after the liberation of the Philippines in 1946, Filipinos then had moved in various directions of its own. Elementary and high school education is compulsory, and is administered nationally by the Department of Education (Philippines), along with the assurance of funding for school services and equipment, recruitment of teachers for all public schools, and the supervising and organization of the education curricula. Based on the current education system of the Philippines, students should enter elementary schools at the age of 6 or 7, and for a duration of six years. Then, at the age of 12 or 13, students then enter high schools for a duration four years, with a total of ten years of compulsory 'Public Education'. All public and private elementary schools, high schools and colleges and universities in the Philippines start classes from early June to mid June and end from mid March to early April.
There are 'Summer Classes' in between (months of April to May) for college programs which is optional for students to take.
In elementary and secondary education, universities and colleges the vernacular language of the country, Filipino is part of educational curriculum. Spanish (Espanol) as well is part of the educational curriculum in universities as a compulsory subject (twenty one credits) to graduate and finish an educational degree or Bachelor of Science. The medium of instruction in the classrooms is in English, Filipino (Tagalog), and whatever regional dialect they have.
List of various public schools are all enlisted under Bureau of Secondary Education - Department of Education (DEP) Republic of the Philippines. For Mawab, Davao de Oro it is under Davao Region or Region 11 (Region 11): Department of Education (Philippines).