The Philippines takes pride for having one of the largest gold deposits in the world according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Mt. Diwalwal, located in the town of Monkayo, Compostela Valley. It produces an estimated two billion pesos worth of gold annually, which greatly helps the province’s industry and economy.

The famous gold rush site was first discovered by lowlanders in the 1970s. In 1982, headed by Datu Camilio Banad,  locals began mining the site and discovered the gold within the rich mountain. They used crude tools and equipment as they burrowed into the mountain and created tunnels. It was in the 1980s when it became a gold site which attracts thousands of businessmen, geologists, and contractors from around the country.

Diwalwal become a “Wild West” of sorts since then, where hundreds of illegal small-scale mines competed for the territory and gold. In 2002, the Philippine government took over the mining site. The DENR signed contracts giving the miners a larger share of the wealth generated in Diwalwal and legitimized the operations of the miners.

Today, Mt. Diwalwal is considered a leading tourist spot in the province. It offers different tourism services provided by the city government. Local officials and residents alike have exerted their best efforts for the improvement of the site.

Diwalwal is a home of people from Surigao, Agusan and Cebu who are all dependent on gold. Small-scale mining has been their major industry since the gold rush in the 1980s.

Did you know?

Diwalwal literally means “lawit” or “hanging out” in English. The mountain got its name from old folks who said that when you reach the summit, “diwawal na ang dila mo” or “lawit na ang dila mo” (your tongue is hanging out from your mouth), perhaps because of the tiring hike.

Transportation

By air, you can reach Compostella Valley via Davao International Airport. By sea, the province can be reached through Sasa Wharf in Davao City, a smooth 2-hour trip.