Penro adds P4.8 M to provincial government coffers

By Erly C. Garcia

For the first six months of the year, the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (Penro) reported a total income of P4,812,250 coming from collections and fees in sand and gravel extraction, administrative fees and penalties and fines.

Penro Officer Sol Sucaldito said the figure is way up the projected income of their office for the middle of the year.

The bulk of the income come from sand and gravel extraction which amounted to P4,280,570.

While penalties and fines collected reached P138,085.

Data further showed that there are 58 pemits issued for sand and gravel extraction all over the province.

Sucaldito said all the applicants have complied with the requirements provided by law.

Sucaldito added that Penro personnel are busy conducting information and education campaign on the new provisions of the amended quarry ordinance.

Sucaldito said, in the amended quarry ordinance the barangay officials are the direct implementors of quarry rules and regulations.

She said every barangay is tasked to form their barangay monitoring committee wherein barangay officials involved will be entitled to incentives.

Also part of their mid-year accomplishment report are roadside tree planting and establishment of communal forest in the municipalities of Lambunao, Mina, Pototan, Barotac Viejo and Carles.

During the period Penro was also able to distribute nursery materials and farm tools as well as vegetable seeds and forest tree seeds to AgBaPro, Ajuy; Sinogbuhan, San Joaquin and Panuran, Janiuay.