THE Provincial Government of Davao Oriental reported that commercial sand and gravel (Csag) operations in the province generated P16.7 million in production value for 2024. This includes P6.16 million in extraction fees and over P1 million in excise taxes.
The figures were presented during the second quarter meeting of the Provincial Mining Regulatory Board (PMRB) held on April 25, 2025, at the Provincial Capitol Conference Hall.
Compared to previous years, the 2024 revenues saw a slight dip. In 2023, production reached P17.3 million, with extraction fees amounting to P6.67 million and excise taxes at P1.47 million. In contrast, 2022 recorded lower figures at P5.4 million in production, P2.08 million in fees, and P373,000 in taxes.
The local government attributed the consistent performance of the Csag sector to effective management and strict enforcement of mining regulations. Revenues from Csag operations are allocated to development programs aimed at improving the quality of life for Davao Oriental residents.
Governor Niño Sotero Uy underscored the importance of legal and responsible resource extraction in the province.
“Dili lang kini bahin sa kita, apan kabahin usab sa pagpanalipod sa kinaiyahan ug pagserbisyo sa katawhan (This is not just about revenue—it’s also about protecting the environment and serving the people),” he said.
During the PMRB meeting, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) Davao Region led discussions, including the review of applications from seven new CSAG operators. The board evaluated their compliance with legal requirements and declared several open areas available for quarry operations.
These initiatives aim to grow the legal mining industry while boosting provincial revenues. The administration stressed that transparency, regulatory compliance, and environmental stewardship remain central to its mining and quarrying policies.
The PMRB presentation highlighted the collaboration between the provincial government, DENR, and other stakeholders in ensuring lawful and sustainable quarrying in Davao Oriental.
“Kini nga kalampusan dako og gikatabang sa pondo sa probinsya samtang ginasiguro ang pagpanalipod sa kinaiyahan alang sa usa ka malungtaron nga kaugmaon (This success greatly supports the province’s funding while ensuring environmental protection for a sustainable future),” the provincial government shared in a Facebook post. RGP