MINDANAO, once plagued by security challenges, is now on the path to becoming one of the safest regions in the Philippines, according to the latest perception study by the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA).
The region’s safety rating has risen to 89.69 percent in 2024, up from 88 percent in 2023, marking a significant improvement, particularly in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Barmm).
The quarterly Mindanao Safety Rating survey by MinDA gathers data from over 7,200 respondents aged 18 and above, including travelers and travel vloggers from various regions across the island.
Dr. Adrian Tamayo, MinDA's Policy Formulation Division officer-in-charge, explained that the study follows the same methodology used by established polling firms like Pulse Asia and Social Weather Stations (SWS), ensuring credibility and consistency.
The survey is conducted with a 3 percent margin of error, guaranteeing reliable and representative results.
“When we think of Mindanao, the image often conjured is one of war, violence, crime, and other negative stereotypes. However, when we conducted the study, especially in the Barmm areas, residents expressed a very different reality. Many said they feel safe and secure in their communities, and, remarkably, local businesses are even thriving,” Tamayo said during the Business Matters forum earlier this week at Hukad, Abreeza Ayala Malls.
Tamayo emphasized that this transformation is a testament to the successful peace efforts, governance reforms, and the resilience of communities in Barmm, all of which have paved the way for a more stable and prosperous future.
The study revealed that Basilan and Lanao del Sur were the safest areas in Barmm, both earning a 95 percent safety rating. Cotabato City followed with 90 percent, while Sulu and Tawi-Tawi both received 87 percent. Maguindanao del Norte had an 85 percent rating, and Maguindanao del Sur scored 80 percent.
In the Davao Region, Davao Oriental emerged as the safest province with a 95 percent rating, followed by Davao del Sur at 94 percent. Davao de Oro and Davao Occidental both scored 90 percent, while Davao del Norte received 89 percent. Despite being the home turf of former President Duterte, Davao City earned an 86 percent safety rating.
In the Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga City and Zamboanga Sibugay tied with a 94 percent safety rating, leading the region. They were followed by Zamboanga del Norte at 93 percent, Zamboanga del Sur at 90 percent, and Isabela City at 79 percent.
In Northern Mindanao, Iligan achieved the highest safety rating at 98 percent, followed by Camiguin at 97 percent, Cagayan de Oro at 95 percent, Misamis Oriental at 92 percent, and Lanao del Norte at 92 percent. Bukidnon earned a 90 percent rating, while Misamis Occidental scored 88 percent.
In Soccsksargen, General Santos City topped the region with a 94 percent safety rating, followed by South Cotabato at 92 percent. Sarangani scored 90 percent, North Cotabato scored 87 percent, and Sultan Kudarat earned 83 percent.
In Caraga, Agusan del Sur ranked highest with a 91 percent safety rating, followed by Surigao del Norte at 88 percent, Agusan del Norte at 87 percent, Surigao del Sur at 83 percent, and Butuan at 79 percent.
Amid ongoing travel advisories from foreign governments on Mindanao, Tamayo expressed hope that the results of the recent study will encourage foreign countries to reconsider their warnings.
Notably, Japan has already taken a positive step by recognizing the region's improvements. “The results of our study align with the recent declaration from Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which has placed the region at Level 1, categorizing it as very safe. This includes highlighting provinces like Camiguin and Misamis Oriental, which are increasingly recognized for their stability and security,” Tamayo said.
He believes that as more international agencies recognize the safety improvements, other countries will follow Japan’s lead and revise their travel advisories for Mindanao, ultimately boosting the region's tourism and economic growth.
Starting in 2023, the research was designed to ensure a balanced and accurate representation. Tamayo emphasized that the sampling methodology involves surveying 1,200 respondents from different regions in Mindanao. This approach ensures that the results capture a broad range of perspectives from various areas, offering a well-rounded view of the region’s safety perceptions. DEF
