CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga (PIA) -- Revenues from quarry operations in Pampanga reached P1.056 billion in 2023. 

It came from administrative fee, sand tax, weighing scale fee, sand and gravel permit, motor vehicle and heavy equipment accreditation, and fines and penalties collected by the provincial government.

The Office of the Provincial Treasurer (OPT) said the amount represents an all-time high collection since 2019. 

Totaling P3.647 billion in five years, Pampanga was able to generate P459.6 million in 2019; P609.6 million in 2020; P782.5 million in 2021; P738.6 million in 2022; and P1.056 billion in 2023.

In a statement, Governor Dennis Pineda thanked the quarry associations and OPT for the surge in collection and proper regulation of the industry. 

“I am extremely grateful to quarry associations and hauling companies for their payment of taxes, for adhering to our policies and obeying the anti-overloading law,” he said. 

He said high collections bring benefits to the communities, adding more funds to Pampanga’s local income for the delivery of basic health and social services programs.

The governor also assured that his administration continues to be committed to balancing the safety of the environment as well as government and private infrastructure while regulating the industry. 

Republic Act 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, distributes the sand tax at a 40-30-30 percent sharing to barangays, towns or cities and provinces, respectively. (CLJD/MJSC-PIA 3)