Prov’l dads step up probe to sanitize quarry operations in Ilocos Norte

By Leilanie G. Adriano

Staff reporter

LAOAG CITY—Members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan has stepped up their investigation to sanitize quarry operations in the province.

Over the past four years, the Provincial Quarry Council (PQC), which monitors the operation of both industrial and commercial sand and gravel operations in various parts of the province, has reported a reduction of extraction fee from P2.5 million in 2010 to approximately P906, 000 in 2013 amidst bustling construction activities in this northern gateway of Luzon.

According to SP member Vicentito “Toto” M. Lazo, there is a need to thoroughly study the quarry operation here, which is a top local revenue source in the province due to on-going construction of housing and condominiums, wind mills, roads and bridges.

In a surprise visit, Ilocos Norte board members led by Mr. Lazo in Solsona, he said that there appears to be unscrupulous individuals who are engaged in illegal quarry operations.

Mr. Lazo cited Solsona as example where a quarry permit holder at Brgy. Laureta maintains a stockpile of sand and gravel, including boulders. Unfortunately, boulders are nowhere to be found at the Laureta river banks.

Mr. Lazo said they have uncovered stockpile of boulders on the river beds in Nalasin and along the Sabu dike road from Lipay to Maan-anteng.

Along the way, the SP likewise encountered dump truck operators with loads of sand and gravel but when asked for delivery receipts, they could not present any.

In view of this, the SP’s committees on environment, ways and means and barangay affairs have set a meeting to thresh out this problem.

Aside from the PQC, barangay officials are now also enjoined to actively participate in monitoring quarry operators in their respective areas of jurisdiction as 40 percent of the total extraction fee collection goes to the barangay while 30 percent each goes to the municipal or city and provincial government.

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