Five months after the full lockdown due to coronavirus, the provincial government of Pampanga reported that P289 million in revenue from quarries had been collected from May to September this year, a record high in post-COVID season, according to a statement released by the Provincial Information Office.
In March this year, sand haulers from different places in Central Luzon were forced to stop for more than three months due to quarantine lockdown.
Joel Mapiles, head of the province information office, said quarry industry in Pampanga was back on track after a momentary lull brought about by lockdown and forced stoppage of earth haulers.
“Capitol made no income from March 20 to May 17 when haulers of the non-metallic minerals suspended operations after Pampanga was placed under Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) and Modified ECQ since March,” said Mapiles in a statement.
He said the five-month revenues brought to P730 million the total quarry collections under Governor Dennis Pineda from July 2019 to September 2020.
“The highest collection of tax and fees related to the hauling of Mt. Pinatubo’s sand and gravel was recorded in September at P68.402 million, said lawyer Charlie Chua, the provincial administrator, citing data from the quarry regulatory unit KALAM headed by former Bacolor Mayor Buddy Dungca.
The construction industry has appeared to have rebounded, increasing the demand for sand and gravel. The revenues consisted of quarry collections, weighing scale fees, fees on sand and gravel permit, accreditation of motor vehicles and heavy equipment, and fines and penalties.
Part of the revenue is shared.
The P250-quarry tax is distributed at a 40-30-30 percent allocation by the barangays, town and cities, and provincial government as required by the Local Government Code of 1991.
“The quarry sector is contributing a big part to Capitol’s local income. Governor Delta has thanked quarry operators and haulers for their support by paying tax and fees, which are being used in our COVID-19 responses and regular programs and projects,” Chua said.