Davao City Councilor Luna Acosta recently criticized Manila-based political analyst Richard Heydarian for his remarks comparing Mindanao’s Human Development Index (HDI) to that of Sub-Saharan Africa. In a March 12 CNN interview, Heydarian stated that Mindanao’s HDI is “similar to Sub-Saharan African levels,” suggesting a significant disparity when compared to Northern Luzon’s “Southern Europe” levels.
In response, Councilor Acosta delivered a privilege speech proposing to declare Heydarian “persona non grata” in Davao City. She described his comments as “thoughtless and reckless,” arguing that such generalizations perpetuate negative stereotypes and prejudice against Mindanao and Sub-Saharan Africa. Acosta emphasized that both regions have made continuous efforts toward progress despite challenges.
However, the council’s session lacked a quorum, with only 13 out of 25 councilors present, preventing the formal adoption of the resolution. Majority Floor Leader Jesus Joseph Zozobrado expressed reservations, suggesting that declaring Heydarian persona non grata might provide him with undue attention. He preferred not to dignify Heydarian’s statements by giving them further prominence.
This incident is part of a broader pattern where Mindanao officials have reacted strongly to perceived negative portrayals of the region. In 2018, the Davao City Council declared Senator Antonio Trillanes “persona non grata” after he labeled Davao as the country’s most dangerous city, citing crime statistics without acknowledging the city’s development achievements.
Similarly, in 2022, Vice President-elect Sara Duterte-Carpio condemned journalist Raissa Robles for remarks she deemed insulting and demonizing toward Mindanao. Robles had questioned plans to promote tourism in Mindanao, citing concerns over the Abu Sayyaf Group’s activities, which Duterte-Carpio felt undermined the region’s progress and security improvements.
These reactions highlight the sensitivity among Mindanao’s leaders to external critiques and their commitment to challenging narratives they perceive as harmful or misleading. While such declarations are symbolic, they reflect a broader effort to reshape perceptions and assert the region’s development and resilience.
