PAMPANGA'S quarry industry has generated P289.6 million in revenues as a result when community quarantine against Covid-19 was eased in the province from May 18 to September 20, Capitol records showed.
The five-month revenues brought to P730 million the total quarry collections under Governor Dennis Pineda from July 2019 to September 2020, according to Provincial Administrator Charlie Chua.
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, Chua said, citing data from the quarry regulatory unit Kapampanga a Lulugud at Matapat headed by former Bacolor Mayor Buddy Dungca.
Capitol had no income from March 20 to May 17 when haulers of the non-metallic minerals suspended operations after Pampanga was put under Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) and Modified ECQ since March.
The construction industry 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 for 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 Pineda 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.