ONGOING CONSTRUCTION. Men are at work at the ongoing construction of the Ilocos Norte Capitol expansion building in this undated photo. Big construction projects such as this contribute to the high demand for sand in Ilocos Norte. (Photo by Leilanie Adriano)
LAOAG CITY – Sustained infrastructure development in Ilocos Norte amid a pandemic has raised its quarry collections to PHP43.8 million in 2021 as compared to the PHP26.8 million figure in the previous year, the Provincial Quarry Office said Friday.
In a phone interview, provincial administrator Yvette Convento-Leynes said the 40-percent increase in the 2021 quarry collections is attributed to the high demand for sand for various government and private projects.
“We are thankful for the cooperation and high compliance of our quarry permittees in paying their dues to the government,” she said.
With this, the Commission on Audit has commended the Provincial Quarry Office under the provincial government for exceeding its quarry collection target.
Early on, members of the previous set of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Ilocos Norte amended the provincial quarry ordinance, imposing higher penalties for theft of minerals.
The application for industrial sand and gravel (ISAG) permits was also tightened to ensure that all requirements are strictly followed.
For example, all ISAG permittees have been required to install their own machinery at the quarry site before they can be granted a permit to operate.
The quarry machinery being referred to includes stone crushers, separators, or any machinery that qualifies for the operation of an ISAG.
The quarry industry in the province is a major local revenue source for local government units.
Under the amended Provincial Quarry Ordinance, both the provincial and municipal governments have a share of 30 percent each from quarry fees and charges, while the host barangay will get a 40-percent share. (PNA)
