PAMPANGA — The provincial government of Pampanga announced on Wednesday that it has amassed a record PHP1.056 billion in revenues from quarry operations on Mt. Pinatubo in 2023, marking a significant contribution to the region's fiscal achievements.
According to Philippines News Agency, this financial milestone is expected to significantly bolster the delivery of health and other essential services to the residents of Pampanga. The Office of the Provincial Treasurer (OPT) detailed that under the leadership of Governor Dennis Pineda, the province saw a steady increase in quarry revenue, collecting PHP459.6 million in 2019, PHP609.6 million in 2020, PHP782.5 million in 2021, and PHP738.6 million in 2022. The 2023 figure surpasses previous years, reflecting a growing industry.
Revenues were generated from a PHP250 administrative fee, a PHP150 sand tax, and other various fees, including penalties. The distribution of the sand tax among barangays, cities or towns, and the province follows a 40-30-30 percent sharing scheme. The administrative fee, which is retained by the capitol, helps regulate the lucrative quarry industry, bringing the net provincial share of revenues to over PHP2 billion over the past five years.
Governor Pineda expressed his gratitude to quarry associations and hauling companies for their compliance with tax payments, adherence to regulations, and observance of laws against overloading. He also acknowledged former Bacolor Mayor Romeo Dungca for his effective supervision of the regulatory unit Kalam (Kapampangan a Lulugud at Matapat), which has played a crucial role in managing the industry.
The transformation of the 1991 Mt. Pinatubo eruption disaster into an economic opportunity has been highlighted by business leaders as a testament to the resilience of Kapampangans, who have capitalized on selling sand and other volcanic materials from lahar flows.
Governor Pineda assured the public that the revenues from quarrying are consistently allocated to services for the local community, reaffirming his administration's commitment to both environmental protection and the regulation of the quarry industry for the benefit of government and private infrastructure.