Political analyst Richard Heydarian found himself at odds with Mindanaoans following his remarks on the region’s Human Development Index (HDI). His comparison of Mindanao to Sub-Saharan Africa sparked outrage across various communities—and Panabo City is the latest to respond.
Several other cities had already taken action earlier in March, including Iligan City (March 14), Isabela City (March 15), Cotabato City, El Salvador in Misamis Oriental, and Valencia in Bukidnon, all of which passed resolutions expressing similar condemnation.
Panabo now joins this growing number of local governments standing against what they see as a damaging portrayal of their region.
For more context on this matter, check out the latest PGMN video, where Orion Perez Dumdum breaks down the full story, clarifying the misconceptions surrounding Heydarian’s comments.
The Controversial Remarks and Panabo’s Stand:
Richard Heydarian’s statements came during an interview where he discussed the economic divide between different regions in the Philippines.
He specifically highlighted the lower HDI in some parts of Mindanao, a remark that led to widespread condemnation, particularly from the local government of Panabo City.
Councilor Bae Merlinda Aranar, the Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative of Panabo, voiced her disapproval, arguing that such comparisons were harmful, offensive, and perpetuated negative stereotypes about Mindanao.
The Declaration of ‘Persona Non Grata’:
On March 25, 2025, the Panabo City Council passed Resolution No. 155, officially declaring Heydarian persona non grata.
This action reflected the city’s firm stance on upholding the dignity of its people and its rich cultural heritage.
According to Aranar, this move wasn’t about silencing opposing views but promoting a more respectful and accurate representation of Mindanao.
The council emphasized that words carry weight, especially when they affect marginalized communities.
Local Government Reactions and the Growing Trend:
Panabo’s declaration is part of a wider trend, with other local governments—such as Iligan City, Isabela City, and Cotabato City—taking similar actions.
These resolutions highlight the growing sentiment of local governments to protect the image of Mindanao against negative portrayals, especially in the wake of the Mindanao peace-building initiatives.
Many of these regions have worked tirelessly to uplift the community’s image through cultural festivals and educational programs, which are now at risk due to such stereotypes.
Heydarian’s Apology and Clarifications:
In response to the backlash, Heydarian clarified that his words were taken out of context and that his comparison of Mindanao to Sub-Saharan Africa was not intended to insult.
He explained that some areas in Mindanao do have lower HDI scores compared to cities in Luzon.
Though he issued an apology, the damage had been done, with many accusing him of perpetuating harmful stereotypes.
The Panabo City Council’s declaration serves as a reminder that public figures, especially those with significant influence like Richard Heydarian, must be mindful of their words and their potential impact on marginalized communities.
The actions taken by local governments across the Philippines show a united front in protecting the region’s dignity and reinforcing a commitment to fair and respectful discourse.
Moving forward, this controversy should serve as an example of the importance of thoughtful representation in media, particularly when discussing sensitive topics like economic development and regional disparities.
