In March, the provincial government of Pampanga recorded a P82 million collection in the quarrying industry, the highest collection value in almost 2 years.
The quarry collection is the province’s local income from the sand and gravel of Mt. Pinatubo.
According to provincial administrator Charlie Chua, Pampanga’s total revenue in the quarry industry until March 2021 increased to P1.1 billion during the 20-month administration of Pampanga Governor Dennis Pineda.
For each truck, the capitol collects P150 sand tax, P250 administrative fee, P30 weighing scale fee, fee for sand and gravel permit, and motor vehicle and heavy equipment accreditation including fines and penalties.
The 30 percent allegedly earned by the capitol in sand tax is allocated to the provincial coffers for programs against COVID-19 and implementation of regular health, education, agriculture, economic, environmental, and infrastructure programs.
On the other hand, Barangays get 40 percent, and municipalities or cities that cover 30 percent following the 1991 Local Government Code.
Pampanga collects P82-M revenue from Quarry industry in Pinatubo
According to Romeo Dungca, an official of a group of quarry operators and haulers, the demand for sand has increased due to government projects as well as the private sector taking advantage of the dry season.
In the last 3 days of March, the amount of sand transported reached P6 billion.
According to Governor Pineda, the quarry operator and hauler’s compliance with the regulations is also a big help.
“I could not thank them enough for their partnership and cooperation in really turning Mount Pinatubo’s sand a top-earner for the province, their taxes and fees go to good use,” Pineda said.
Pinatubo erupted in 1991, causing lahar to erupt in many areas in the province.
Many Kapampangans consider the volcanic eruption to be a deluge but after almost 3 decades, it is considered a blessing because of what the quarry industry has given to the province.
Alert Level 1 (Abnormal) prevails over Pinatubo Volcano, which means that there is low-level unrest that may be related to tectonic processes beneath its edifice and that no imminent eruption is foreseen. Entry into the Pinatubo Crater area must be conducted with extreme caution and should be avoided if possible.