New Bataan: Complete Barangay Directory, Highland Peaks, and Municipal Guide
Nestled in the eastern river basin and mountain heights of Davao de Oro, New Bataan unites 16 progressive barangays across 553.15 square kilometers of fertile plains, cascading waterfalls, and protected rainforests. Rebuilt with extraordinary resilience following Typhoon Pablo under the municipal motto “Bida ang Katawhan”, New Bataan is the third largest municipality in land area in the province, serving as a renowned sanctuary for montane wildlife, crystal cold springs, and thriving agricultural communities.
Overview, Founding Heritage, and Cultural Identity
From pioneer agricultural settlement to modern highland eco capital in Davao de Oro.
The Municipality of New Bataan is situated in the eastern expanse of Davao de Oro (formerly Compostela Valley Province) on the southern island of Mindanao. The town was officially established on June 18, 1966, through Republic Act No. 4756, carved out of the parent municipality of Compostela. It was named in honor of former First Lady Luz Banzon Magsaysay, a native daughter of Bataan in Luzon, whose direct assistance helped pioneer settlers secure the official town site reservation in what is now Barangay Cabinuangan.
During the mid twentieth century, organized government resettlement programs brought adventurous families from Luzon, the Visayas, and lowland Mindanao into the fertile upper valley. These settlers integrated alongside the indigenous Mansaka and Mandaya communities who have stewarded the ancestral forests of Mount Manurigao and the Mayo River watershed for centuries. Today, New Bataan reflects a peaceful, cohesive cultural fabric where Bisaya, Mansaka, Mandaya, Tagalog, and English are spoken side by side.
Geographically, New Bataan occupies an expansive highland basin bounded by Compostela to the north, Maragusan to the south, Maco and Nabunturan to the west, and the Pacific coastal province of Davao Oriental to the east. With over half of its territorial expanse preserved as protected forest cover, New Bataan supplies vital river headwaters for the Agusan River basin while fostering sustainable agroforestry, clean freshwater springs, and ecotourism ventures.
New Bataan Quick Facts
- Official Status: 1st Class Municipality
- Province: Davao de Oro (Region XI)
- Congressional District: 1st District of Davao de Oro
- PSGC Code: 1108210000
- Postal ZIP Code: 8804
- Geographic Coordinates: 7.5529° N, 126.1372° E
- Elevation Range: 64 m to 2,664 m
- Total Barangays: 16 Barangays
- Municipal Motto: “Bida ang Katawhan”
- Patron Saint & Fiesta: San Antonio de Padua (June 13)
Geography, Mountain Ranges, Rivers, and Montane Wildlife
Dramatic topographical contrasts ranging from fertile valley floors to pristine alpine mossy peaks.
Highland Peaks & Ranges
New Bataan is bordered by the formidable Pantaron Mountain Range. Standing prominently in the territory are Mount Tagubud (approximately 2,670 meters), Mount Pandadagsaan (commonly known as White Peak at 2,664 meters), and the rugged ridges of Mount Manurigao. These towering peaks represent some of the highest summits in Mindanao, featuring mossy cloud forests, stunted alpine shrubs, and sweeping viewpoints overlooking the Davao Gulf and the Pacific seaboard.
- Mount Tagubud: Highest elevation point in Davao de Oro and major mountaineering frontier.
- White Peak (Mt. Pandadagsaan): Alpine ridge adorned with white moss and bonsai trees.
River Networks & Watersheds
The municipality serves as a critical hydrological cradle for Mindanao. The Agusan River, the third longest river in the Philippines, originates from the headwaters of Mount Tagubud within New Bataan. The Mayo River flows directly from the mountain slopes of Barangay Andap before winding west, while the Batoto River drains the western highlands, nourishing thousands of hectares of downstream rice fields and plantation groves.
- Mayo River Basin: Major tributary supporting local irrigation and agricultural canals.
- Batoto River System: Fast flowing pristine waterway providing fresh aquatic habitats.
Biodiversity & Rare Avifauna
Recorded extensively on international biodiversity inventories like Xeno-canto and regional forestry surveys, the upland forests near New Bataan and Maragusan are prime birdwatching and wildlife corridors. The mossy canopy supports threatened and endemic species such as the Apo Sunbird, Mindanao Lorikeet, Bagobo Babbler, Red-eared Parrotfinch, and Mindanao Bleeding-heart, as well as foraging paths for the Philippine Eagle.
- Protected Canopy: Over 33,727 hectares of primary and secondary rainforest cover.
- Wildlife Conservation: Active community ranger programs protecting ancestral domains.
Directory of the 16 Barangays of New Bataan
Detailed census figures, territorial classifications, growth rates, and community landmarks. Use the search bar or category filters to explore each barangay.
| Barangay Name | Classification | Population (2020) | Population Share | Annual Growth | Landmarks & Community Character |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andap | Highlands | 6,697 | 13.01% | -2.25% | Tower of Hope Memorial Park, Mayo River headwaters, resilient farming community |
| Bantacan | Valley Plains | 3,199 | 6.22% | -1.62% | Extensive coconut and banana plantations, inland natural spring tributaries |
| Batinao | Valley Plains | 1,349 | 2.62% | +2.97% | Progressive agricultural barangay, corn cultivation, rural agrarian cooperatives |
| Cabinuangan (Poblacion) | Poblacion | 11,018 | 21.41% | +0.87% | Municipal government center, commercial marketplace, banking, parish church, central terminal |
| Camanlangan | Valley Plains | 5,870 | 11.41% | +0.85% | Major rice and corn granary, fertile irrigated fields, cooperative rice mills |
| Cogonon | Valley Plains | 1,233 | 2.40% | +0.22% | Quiet agrarian community, root crops, banana farming, community elementary center |
| Fatima | Highlands | 1,181 | 2.29% | +2.84% | Home to popular inland cold spring resorts, bamboo groves, scenic mountain breezes |
| Kahayag | Valley Plains | 1,377 | 2.68% | -0.05% | Traditional farming community, irrigated rice paddies, citrus and fruit orchards |
| Katipunan | Valley Plains | 2,098 | 4.08% | +1.25% | Thriving multi crop agricultural hub, cacao farming, farm to market arterial roads |
| Magangit | Valley Plains | 1,796 | 3.49% | -0.95% | Agro industrial farming, coconut harvesting, high value commercial banana fields |
| Magsaysay | Valley Plains | 1,256 | 2.44% | +1.47% | Historic settlement named after Ramon Magsaysay, livestock and poultry production |
| Manurigao | Forest Upland | 1,533 | 2.98% | -0.01% | Majestic Malumagpak Falls (70 m), Mansaka ancestral domain, mountain hiking gateway |
| Pagsabangan | Forest Upland | 506 | 0.98% | -2.87% | Serene upland forest boundary, eco trails, pristine mountain stream sources |
| Panag | Highlands | 4,629 | 8.99% | +4.04% | Rapidly expanding highland community, cool mountain vegetable gardens, cacao farms |
| San Roque | Highlands | 5,949 | 11.56% | +13.07% | Major population growth center, natural thermal and cold mineral springs, agrotourism |
| Tandawan | Forest Upland | 1,775 | 3.45% | +3.75% | Tandawan Integrated School, dense watershed canopy, community agroforestry initiatives |
| New Bataan Total | 16 Barangays | 51,466 | 100.0% | +1.60% | Municipal Land Area: 553.15 km² (PSA Census Total: 50,212 in 2024 count) |
Local Government Leadership, Civic Services, and Public Safety
Serving the municipal community through progressive governance, disaster resilience, and responsive social programs.
Office of the Municipal Mayor
Executive administration is directed by Municipal Mayor Atty. Mar Bianca F. Cualing-Brua. Under the administration motto “Bida ang Katawhan”, the executive agenda focuses on sustainable rural infrastructure, modern agricultural support, public healthcare expansion, ecotourism development, and proactive environmental preservation across all 16 barangays.
- Municipal Mayor: Atty. Mar Bianca F. Cualing-Brua
- Congressional District: Hon. Maria Carmen S. Zamora-Mabanglo (1st District, Davao de Oro)
- Municipal Hall: Cabinuangan (Poblacion), New Bataan, Davao de Oro
Sangguniang Bayan of New Bataan
The municipal legislative assembly is presided over by Municipal Vice Mayor Elfa P. Digaynon, working closely with the elected Sangguniang Bayan members, the Liga ng mga Barangay President, and the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation President to craft local ordinances, community safety policies, and economic incentives.
- Municipal Vice Mayor Elfa P. Digaynon
- Sangguniang Bayan Councilors
- Liga ng mga Barangay Representation
- SK Municipal Federation Leadership
Economy, Agribusiness, Forestry, and Local Commerce
Ranked as a competitive inland economy in the DTI Cities and Municipalities Competitive Index (CMCI).
High Value Crops & Agriculture
Agriculture remains the backbone of the New Bataan economy. The broad alluvial floodplains along the Mayo and Batoto river systems provide rich soils for staple grains, while the gentle hills and highland slopes cultivate premium commercial crops.
- Cavendish & Cardava Banana: Export quality banana plantations supplying international and domestic markets.
- Cacao & Fine Coffee: Expanding shade grown cacao and robusta/arabica coffee plantations in upland barangays like Panag and Andap.
- Rice & Corn Production: Extensive irrigated rice paddies in Camanlangan and Kahayag serving provincial granaries.
- Coconut & Copra: Traditional copra processing supporting rural family livelihoods across all lowland puroks.
Local Commerce, Cooperatives & Trade
Barangay Cabinuangan functions as the primary retail, financial, and distribution engine for the municipality. Well organized farmers cooperatives, microfinance institutions, and agricultural supply depots empower local producers.
- New Bataan Public Market: Daily trading hub for highland organic vegetables, fresh river fish, and poultry.
- Agricultural Cooperatives: Farmer led groups providing collective bargaining for fertilizers, feeds, and crop milling.
- Forestry & Bamboo Craft: Sustainable harvest of bamboo and abaca for architectural crafts and furniture manufacturing.
- Inland Aquaculture: Freshwater tilapia and freshwater prawn ponds nourished by pure natural spring waters.
Waterfalls, Cold Spring Resorts, Thermal Baths, and Summits
From majestic multi tier waterfalls in pristine ancestral forests to family friendly cold spring resorts.
Malumagpak Falls
Plunging over 230 feet (70 meters) down forested mountain cliffs, Malumagpak Falls features four distinct tiers of cascading waters surrounded by virgin mossy rainforest. A municipal view deck allows trekkers to take in panoramic vistas of the falls and wild river gorge.
Mount Tagubud & White Peak
Towering as the highest point in Davao de Oro, Mount Tagubud provides an adventurous expedition through dense mossy trees and the headwaters of the Agusan River. Nearby Mount Pandadagsaan (White Peak) features rare white moss and scenic alpine ridges.
Yes Go Cold Spring Resort
Celebrated for its refreshing mountain spring pools, colorful superhero graffiti murals, and picnic pavilions, Yes Go Cold Spring is a favorite weekend getaway for families, church fellowships, and school outings from across the Davao Region.
Bamboo Garden Sol Invictus
An eco resort nestled within manicured bamboo groves and flowing mountain spring channels. The resort features natural pools, serene walking pathways, and open air dining huts ideal for quiet retreats and group celebrations.
Tower of Hope Monument
Erected as a solemn memorial honoring the victims and celebrating the indomitable courage of survivors following Typhoon Pablo in December 2012. The park stands on the rehabilitated Mayo River corridor as a powerful symbol of community rebirth.
San Roque Mineral & Hot Springs
Natural geothermal vents release soothing warm waters enriched with minerals along the mountain streams of San Roque. Visitors come to relax in natural wading pools renowned locally for their therapeutic and revitalizing qualities.
A Legacy of Resilience: The Rebirth of New Bataan
On December 4, 2012, Typhoon Pablo (international name Bopha), the most intense tropical cyclone ever recorded to strike southern Mindanao, made landfall with catastrophic fury. Heavy torrential rains triggered massive debris flows and flash floods down the Mayo River canyon, sweeping across Barangay Andap and portions of Cabinuangan. The disaster tested the community to its deepest core.
Rather than surrendering, the people of New Bataan, supported by national agencies, international partners, and the provincial government of Davao de Oro, initiated an extraordinary campaign of reconstruction and ecological recovery. Hazard zones were reengineered into protected floodway channels, permanent upland resettlement villages were established with safe housing, comprehensive early warning systems were deployed, and massive reforestation was carried out across the upper watershed.
Today, the Tower of Hope in Barangay Andap stands not merely as a memorial to lives lost, but as an enduring testament to the triumph of human spirit and unity. Under the civic banner “Bida ang Katawhan”, New Bataan has emerged as a national benchmark for community based disaster risk reduction, resilient agriculture, and sustainable mountain stewardship.
Transit Connections, Travel Routes, and Interactive Map
How to reach New Bataan from major transportation hubs across Davao de Oro and Region XI.
Regional Highway Distances
- From Compostela: Approximately 16 kilometers (25 minutes via the Compostela to New Bataan Provincial Road).
- From Nabunturan (Capital): Approximately 40 kilometers (50 minutes via Montevista and Compostela).
- From Tagum City: Approximately 75 kilometers (1.5 to 2 hours via the Daang Maharlika Highway and Compostela junction).
- From Davao City: Approximately 130 kilometers (3 to 3.5 hours via regular bus or passenger van from Ecoland Bus Terminal).
Local Transportation Options
- Passenger Vans & Minibuses: Regular trips connect Tagum City Overland Transport Integrated Terminal (TOTIT) directly with New Bataan Terminal in Cabinuangan.
- Motorized Tricycles: Readily available at the town terminal for convenient trips between Cabinuangan and neighboring lowland barangays.
- Mountain Habal Habal: Sturdy modified passenger motorcycles providing essential access to highland settlements in Andap, Panag, and Manurigao.
- Freight & Cargo Couriers: Daily parcel dispatch from Tagum City and Davao City handling agribusiness supplies and manufactured apparel.
Municipal Landmark Gallery of New Bataan
Real photographs showcasing the municipal administration center, public safety, and tourism office.
Custom Apparel and Team Uniforms for New Bataan Organizations
Supplying municipal offices, barangay councils, sports tournaments, schools, and cooperatives with factory direct custom uniforms from RB Advertising.
High Grade Printing & Uniform Production for Davao de Oro
Whether you require full sublimation basketball and volleyball jerseys for inter barangay summer tournaments, corporate polo shirts for municipal employees and rural health units, customized dry fit event shirts for founding day celebrations, or rugged workwear for agricultural enterprises, RB Advertising provides end to end textile craftsmanship.
Every order is manufactured directly at our primary production facility in Mankilam, Tagum City (Naungayan Building, Aala Road), utilizing high quality breathable fabrics and vibrant fade resistant sublimation inks. Finished apparel is dispatched daily with fast overland transit directly to New Bataan via Davao Metro Shuttle cargo and trusted freight couriers.
Frequently Asked Questions About New Bataan
Essential information on population, barangays, tourism, history, and official leadership.