VALENCIA, Bukidnon—The city’s local legislative body has passed a resolution declaring political analyst Richard Heydarian persona non grata after he compared the living conditions in Mindanao to those of sub-Saharan Africa, a remark that sparked outrage among local officials and residents.
Heydarian’s comment, which was made in a public discussion, was met with mixed reactions—some laughed it off. Still, many in Bukidnon found it deeply offensive, disregarding the province’s peaceful environment, robust agricultural sector, and thriving tourism industry. The province, known as the food basket of Mindanao, boasts expansive farmlands, eco-tourism destinations, and a steadily growing economy.
During Monday’s regular session, City Councilors Cecil Galario-Fernandez and Lando Centillas jointly filed a resolution declaring Heydarian unwelcome in Valencia. While largely symbolic, the measure expresses the city’s collective displeasure over what they perceived as an unfair and inaccurate characterization of their homeland.
However, legal experts point out that a persona non grata declaration is merely a political statement and has no legal authority to prevent Heydrian—or anyone else—from entering Valencia or any part of Bukidnon.
Despite the controversy, Heydrian has not officially responded to the resolution but he kept tracking the trolls maligning him.
