Municipality of Manay, Davao Oriental: Barangay Directory, Ecotourism & Guide
Manay is a vibrant coastal municipality on the eastern seaboard of Davao Oriental facing the Pacific Ocean. Established in 1897 and celebrated for its sacred Mandaya ancestral heritage, 17 regular barangays, pristine mountain lakes, thunderous waterfalls, and number one national ranking in business permit ease and citizen charter compliance, Manay stands as a premier agricultural and ecotourism hub of Southeastern Mindanao.
Coastal Majesty Along the Pacific Rim of Davao Oriental
Where rolling forested ridges, mountain lakes, and ancestral Mandaya lands meet the deep blue waters of the Pacific Ocean.
The Municipality of Manay occupies a prominent stretch of the eastern seaboard of Davao Oriental. Located approximately 67 kilometers northeast of the provincial capital of Mati City and roughly 232 kilometers from Davao City, Manay serves as a critical agricultural, administrative, and ecological corridor linking the southern plains with the northern coastal towns of Caraga, Baganga, and Cateel.
Geographically, Manay is bounded on the north by the Municipality of Caraga along the Casauman River, on the south by the Municipality of Tarragona, on the west by the mountain ranges bordering Davao de Oro (municipalities of Maragusan and New Bataan), and on the east by the open Philippine Sea. Its terrain features dramatic irregularity, rising from coastal plains and mangrove estuaries to rugged hills, river valleys, and mountain highlands in Barangay Taocanga that climb beyond 1,000 meters above sea level.
Manay experiences a Type II climate under the Corona classification system, characterized by the absence of a dry season and heavy rainfall from November through January brought by the Northeast Monsoon (Amihan) and Pacific low pressure systems. This generous rainfall sustains verdant river watersheds, including the Manay and Casauman Rivers, and nourishes more than 15,500 hectares of cultivated agricultural lands.
Municipality of Manay
Province of Davao Oriental • Region XI
How Manay Got Its Name & Historical Foundation
From the legendary cry of three sisters on the riverbank to its establishment as an independent municipality in 1897.
The 1860 River Legend
According to oral history, on a bright morning in 1860, three sisters were washing clothes and bathing in the river. Suddenly, they spotted a Spanish military galleon entering the river mouth.
Terrified, the two older sisters sprinted toward safety into the thicket, leaving behind their youngest sister. Struggling to keep up, the frightened girl cried out repeatedly: "Manay! Manay!", the respectful Davaoeño term for an older sister. The Spanish landing party heard the frantic call, mistook it for the name of the place, and christened the river and valley Manay.
Pioneers & Mission Visita
Long before Spanish arrival, the territory was ruled by indigenous Mandaya and Mansaka chieftains known as Bagani (warrior leaders renowned for courage, justice, and community defense).
In 1873, Jesuit and later MSC missionaries established visitas under Caraga. In 1885, Fr. Pablo Pastells blessed a revered statue of Saint Francis Xavier in San Francisco Javier de Manay. In 1895, early community leaders including Eusebio Moralizon, Policarpio Mapayo, Camoto Mambulao, Gregorio Moralizon, Bernardo and Maxima Ajos, and Juliano Mamparo consolidated the growing township.
Municipal Evolution
In 1897, Manay was formally organized as an independent municipality under the Administrative Code of the Department of Mindanao and Sulu, uniting coastal settlements from Caraga and Mati.
Under American civil administration, Governor Causin issued Executive Order No. 7 in 1917 restructuring the municipal borders into eight initial barrios. Between 1964 and 1969, growing settlements were elevated to regular status. Finally in 1983, Lambog was created as the 17th regular barangay, completing the modern territorial mosaic.
The 17 Barangays of Manay, Davao Oriental
Explore official 2024 PSA population figures, land areas, geographic classifications, and prominent local features for each barangay.
| Barangay Name | Classification | Population (2024 PSA) | Land Area (Hectares) | Key Landmarks & Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capasnan | Coastal | 603 | 882.89 ha | Coastal fishing community, artisanal boat landings, and coconut agroforests. Elevated to regular status in 1968. |
| Cayawan | Coastal | 1,036 | 1,323.14 ha | Bordering Central to the north, featuring coastal farming, copra production, and peaceful beachfront settings. |
| Central (Poblacion) | Poblacion | 9,588 | 4,276.04 ha | Municipal seat of government, Municipal Hall, Baywalk Park, commercial public market, rural health center, and district high schools. |
| Concepcion | Coastal | 886 | 784.15 ha | One of the original 1897 founding barrios, rich in fishing traditions and fertile agricultural patches. |
| Del Pilar | Coastal | 1,541 | 1,896.31 ha | Historical mother territory of Barangay Lambog, positioned along the coastal highway with thriving coconut plantations. |
| Guza | Coastal | 707 | 657.30 ha | Quiet coastal settlement immediately north of Central, known for artisanal fishing and coconut cultivation. |
| Holy Cross | Upland | 3,320 | 4,596.81 ha | Extensive inland territory, formerly Santa Cruz visita, featuring agricultural river plains, corn, and fruit farms. |
| Lambog | Coastal | 884 | 691.50 ha | Named after the indigenous Lambog tree. Created in 1983 from Del Pilar. Composed of 7 puroks: Poblacion, Biailan, Tambiagao, Tambo, Anigbon, Paliwoson, and Beslong. |
| Mabini | Upland | 637 | 381.68 ha | Compact inland barangay created in 1969, centered on diversified agroforestry and peaceful rural settlements. |
| Manreza | Coastal | 712 | 713.98 ha | Historic coastal visita established during Spanish missionary expeditions, maintaining active marine and copra livelihoods. |
| Old Macopa | Upland | 3,281 | 8,669.96 ha | Second largest barangay by area, home to the scenic Tagamontay Falls, expansive timberlands, and Mandaya settlements. |
| Rizal | Upland | 1,282 | 3,287.49 ha | Foothill farming valley created in 1964, producing corn, root crops, abaca, and high-yield coconuts. |
| San Fermin | Coastal | 1,069 | 2,354.70 ha | Original founding barrio along the Pacific, combining coastal fisheries with productive alluvial coconut plains. |
| San Ignacio | Coastal | 6,987 | 2,710.88 ha | The second most populous barangay in Manay. Busy commercial and fishing center traversed by the national highway, home to Francisco E. Lahora Jr. Integrated School. |
| San Isidro | Coastal | 2,555 | 1,058.38 ha | Historic coastal community and trading point, known for marine fisheries, copra driers, and civic assemblies. |
| Taocanga | Highland / Upland | 2,931 | 24,528.59 ha | The municipal giant encompassing over 40 percent of Manay's total land area. Sacred Mandaya ancestral domain, home to Lake Diomaboc, Tagdalid Falls, and high mountain ridges. |
| Zaragoza | Coastal | 1,252 | 1,784.67 ha | Originally known as Santa Maria visita, situated on the southern coast towards Tarragona with picturesque shorelines and coconut groves. |
Central (Poblacion)
Home to 9,588 residents (almost a quarter of the municipal total), Central serves as the civic and economic nucleus. The barangay houses the Manay Municipal Hall, the municipal gym, the central baywalk promenade, coastal port facilities, and financial remittance centers.
San Ignacio
With nearly 7,000 residents, San Ignacio is the primary residential and educational hub in northern Manay. Its coastal highway strip features vibrant trading posts, local transport terminals, public schools, and direct beach access.
Taocanga
Spanning an astonishing 24,528 hectares of mountainous wilderness, Taocanga is the ecotourism crown jewel of Manay. It protects pristine virgin watersheds, highland biodiversity, traditional Mandaya hunting grounds, and breathtaking natural lakes.
Incumbent Leadership & Official LGU Directory
Meet the executive and legislative officials guiding the Municipality of Manay towards progressive, tech-enabled public service.
Hon. Jon Marco M. Dayanghirang
Leading Manay's modernization agenda, driving digital governance (eBPLS), agricultural enhancement for coconut farmers, tourism development, and provincial infrastructure integration.
Hon. Alfonso Benjie Dela Cruz Lahora
Presiding officer of the Sangguniang Bayan, championing legislative initiatives for local economic incentives, disaster preparedness, cultural preservation, and youth empowerment.
Hon. Nelson L. Dayanghirang, Jr.
Representing the first congressional district of Davao Oriental in the House of Representatives, securing vital national budgetary allocations for coastal roads, bridges, and municipal healthcare facilities.
Municipal Councilors
The elected councilors enacting ordinances, approving municipal appropriations, and overseeing departmental performance:
- Hon. Manuel M. Lepardo Jr.
- Hon. Rudy S. Rosa
- Hon. Elmer P. Panuayan
- Hon. Melencio P. Silveron Jr.
- Hon. Levy Joe P. Lumando
- Hon. Jesus L. Mamparo Jr.
Under this leadership team, Manay achieved the Rank 1 spot nationwide for ARTA Citizen's Charter Compliance and Business Permit Speed in the DTI Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI).
| Office / Department | Key Contact Person / Designation | Official Hotline Numbers | Email Address |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mayor's Executive Office | Office of the Municipal Mayor | 0906 963 2480 / 0981 588 7076 | lgumanay1897@gmail.com |
| Manay Tourism Office | Jan Michael Belena, Tourism Officer | 0915 399 8427 / 0997 086 2891 | jmbmanay@yahoo.com.ph |
| MDRRMO (Emergency Response) | Disaster Risk Reduction Office | 0916 468 0534 / 0938 381 3726 | mdrrmomanay@gmail.com |
| Municipal Health Office (MHO) | Healthcare Operations & Clinic | 0917 112 7330 | LGU Health Service Desk |
| Business Permits & Licensing (BPLO) | Justine Orphea (Pia) Palomares, iBPLS Focal | 0956 715 9100 | bplomanay@gmail.com |
| Manay Water System | Municipal Utility Operations | 0975 212 5409 | Customer Care Desk |
Ecotourism & Top Attractions in Manay
From highland volcanic lakes to dramatic waterfalls and peaceful Pacific coastline baywalks, Manay is an outdoor adventurer's paradise.
Lake Diomaboc (Barangay Taocanga)
Nestled deep within the upland forests of Barangay Taocanga, Lake Diomaboc is a mystical freshwater highland lake revered by the Mandaya people. Surrounded by virgin canopy and endemic wildlife, it offers unprecedented tranquility, trekking adventures, and scenic nature photography.
Tagdalid Falls & Bidayan Falls
Manay's rugged mountainous terrain creates dramatic cascading waterfalls. Tagdalid Falls in Taocanga cascades down towering cliff faces into pristine mountain pools, while Bidayan Falls offers accessible natural swimming basins shaded by lush tropical rainforest.
Tagamontay Falls (Old Macopa)
Hidden in the vast forest expanse of Barangay Old Macopa, Tagamontay Falls rewards hikers with multi-tier cascades, crisp cold water, and scenic limestone rock formations. It is a favored destination for local mountaineering clubs and nature enthusiasts.
Panontongan Ridge & Danao Lake
Panontongan Ridge provides an exhilarating high-altitude viewpoint where visitors can behold a sweeping 360-degree panorama of rolling green mountain ridges and the distant Pacific horizon. Nearby Danao Lake offers serene waters perfect for picnicking and birdwatching.
Secret Museum Beach & Lapinigan River
Secret Museum Beach surprises coastal explorers with intricate natural rock formations, tidal caverns, and clean Pacific waters that resemble open-air geological sculptures. Inland, Lapinigan River flows with crystal-clear fresh currents perfect for river tubing.
Municipal Baywalk Park (Central)
The social heartbeat of Manay located right in Barangay Central. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the baywalk is the go-to gathering place for sunset strolls, community fitness, coastal festivals, and fresh grilled seafood dining under the evening sea breeze.
Mandaya Culture & The Kadagayaan Festival
Preserving sacred weaving, Bagani traditions, and community thanksgiving celebrations along the eastern coast.
Manay is an ancestral homeland of the Mandaya and Mansaka indigenous peoples. The Mandaya, whose name translates to "inhabitants of the uplands", have inhabited the hills and river valleys of Southeastern Mindanao for millennia. Their profound respect for nature is embodied in customary laws, oral traditions, and the guidance of their traditional Bagani warrior chieftains.
Among the most celebrated Mandaya art forms is the weaving of Dagmay, a sacred abaca cloth produced using backstrap looms. Mandaya master weavers dye natural abaca fibers using tree barks, roots, and mud, creating intricate geometric motifs and spiritual symbols that reflect tribal cosmology and ancestral dreams.
Every year, the municipality celebrates the Kadagayaan Festival. Rooted in the native word dagay meaning abundance and harvest bounty, this week-long festival brings together all 17 barangays for vibrant street dancing competitions, traditional indigenous sports, Mandaya musical performances on the kudlong (two-stringed lute) and gimbal (deer-skin drums), and agricultural trade fairs showcasing organic cacao, coffee, and coconut products.
Key Cultural Treasures of Manay
- Sacred Dagmay Abaca Weaving: Authentic textile heritage produced by Mandaya elders in upland puroks.
- Bagani Warrior Traditions: Centuries-old leadership philosophy rooted in communal valor and territorial protection.
- Kadagayaan Thanksgiving: Annual municipal festival uniting farmers, fisherfolk, and tribal elders.
- Bayanihan Solidarity: Mutual self-help community work evident during harvest seasons and coastal fishing launches.
- Traditional Beadwork & Brasscraft: Intricate armlets, beaded headpieces (patina), and ceremonial wear worn during civic and ritual gatherings.
National Competitiveness (DTI CMCI) & Local Economy
How Manay transformed into a top-performing digital local government unit with robust agricultural productivity.
Coconut Agro-Industry
Coconut farming is the municipal economic backbone. More than 9,674 hectares are actively planted to coconut palms, generating millions of pesos in copra, whole nuts, virgin coconut oil, and charcoal briquettes shipped across Mindanao and export ports in Davao City.
Pacific Marine Fisheries
Facing the open Pacific Ocean, Manay's 10 coastal barangays sustain thriving municipal fisheries. Local fisherfolk land yellowfin tuna, skipjack, mackerel, mahi-mahi, squid, and groupers daily, supplying regional markets in Mati City and Tagum City.
Diversified Highland Crops
In upland valleys like Taocanga, Old Macopa, and Holy Cross, farmers cultivate specialty crops including cacao, robusta coffee, Cavendish bananas, abaca fiber, and corn, backed by municipal agricultural extension training and post-harvest drying facilities.
How to Get to Manay, Davao Oriental
Travel routes, travel times, and road conditions connecting Manay with major urban gateways in Davao Region.
From Davao City (232 km)
Take an air-conditioned passenger bus (Bachelor Express) or public utility van from the Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (Ecoland) heading to Mati, Caraga, Baganga, or Cateel.
Travel Time: Approximately 4 to 4.5 hours along the scenic national coastal highway.
From Mati City (67 km)
From the Mati City Integrated Bus Terminal, passenger vans and buses depart every 30 to 45 minutes traversing north through Tarragona directly into Manay.
Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes over smoothly paved concrete coastal highway.
From Tagum City (Mankilam Hub)
Travelers can head east via the Tagum-Mati highway (AH26 to Mati, then north to Manay) or via the scenic Compostela-Cateel highway before connecting southward through Baganga and Caraga.
Travel Time: Approximately 3 to 3.5 hours by private vehicle or commercial passenger van.
Custom Uniforms, Sublimation Jerseys & Corporate Apparel for Manay
Supporting the Municipal Government of Manay, 17 Barangay Councils, Sangguniang Kabataan federations, public and private schools, and sports tournaments across Davao Oriental with factory-direct apparel manufactured at our Tagum City facility.
Barangay & LGU Uniforms
Official municipal polo shirts, Barangay Health Worker (BHW) scrub sets, Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) patrol vests, and disaster response uniforms tailored for durability in tropical climates.
Full Sublimation Sports Jerseys
High-definition full sublimation basketball, volleyball, and inter-purok sports jerseys featuring vibrant fade-proof colors, lightweight breathable dri-fit fabrics, and custom tribal or modern motifs.
School & Foundation Day Shirts
Custom t-shirts, intramural athletic kits, and commemorative batch shirts for Manay National High School, Francisco E. Lahora Jr. Integrated School, and regional teacher associations.
Production Facility: Naungayan Building, Aala Road, Barangay Mankilam, Tagum City. Business hours: Mon to Sat, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Daily cargo dispatches to Manay via Davao Metro Shuttle and regional freight couriers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Manay, Davao Oriental
Everything you need to know about geography, local government, tourism spots, and ordering custom apparel.
Where is the Municipality of Manay located, and what is its postal code?
The Municipality of Manay is located on the eastern Pacific coastline of Davao Oriental in Southeastern Mindanao, approximately 67 kilometers northeast of Mati City and 232 kilometers from Davao City. Its official Philippine postal code is 8202.
How many barangays comprise Manay, and which is the largest?
Manay is composed of 17 regular barangays: Capasnan, Cayawan, Central (Poblacion), Concepcion, Del Pilar, Guza, Holy Cross, Lambog, Mabini, Manreza, Old Macopa, Rizal, San Fermin, San Ignacio, San Isidro, Taocanga, and Zaragoza.
In terms of land area, Barangay Taocanga is the largest by far, spanning over 24,528 hectares (more than 40 percent of the entire municipality). In terms of population, Barangay Central (Poblacion) is the largest with 9,588 residents according to the 2024 PSA Census.
Who are the current mayor, vice mayor, and district representative of Manay?
The executive leadership of Manay is headed by Municipal Mayor Hon. Jon Marco M. Dayanghirang. The legislative body (Sangguniang Bayan) is presided over by Municipal Vice Mayor Hon. Alfonso Benjie Dela Cruz Lahora. Manay is part of the 1st Congressional District of Davao Oriental, represented in the House of Representatives by Hon. Nelson L. Dayanghirang, Jr.
What are the top ecotourism destinations and waterfalls in Manay?
Manay's most famous natural attractions include Lake Diomaboc in Barangay Taocanga, Tagdalid Falls, Tagamontay Falls in Barangay Old Macopa, Bidayan Falls, Panontongan Ridge, Danao Lake, Secret Museum Beach, and the Municipal Baywalk Park along the shoreline of Barangay Central.
Why is Manay ranked number one in the DTI CMCI index?
In the Department of Trade and Industry Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI), Manay captured the Rank 1 spot nationwide for Ease of Getting Business Permits through its electronic business permits and licensing system (eBPLS), Rank 1 in Compliance to ARTA Citizen's Charter, Rank 1 in ICT Plan, and Rank 1 in Local Risk Assessments.
What is the story behind the name Manay?
In 1860, three sisters were bathing and washing clothes at the mouth of the river when they spotted a Spanish military galleon. The older sisters fled into the bush, leaving their frightened younger sister behind. Crying out to them, she repeatedly shouted "Manay! Manay!", the respectful Davaoeño dialect word for an older sister. Spanish soldiers heard this and recorded it as the name of the river and settlement.
How can organizations in Manay order custom shirts and uniforms from RB Advertising?
Manay municipal offices, barangay councils, schools, and private groups can connect directly with RB Advertising via telephone or text at 0946 048 0491 or email sales@phshirt.com. Orders are manufactured at our Mankilam facility in Tagum City (open Monday to Saturday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM) and dispatched daily through Davao Metro Shuttle cargo and regional freight couriers directly to Manay.