Gov Tan orders halt to quarry operations in Sariaya

By Nimfa Estrellado Sariaya Mayor Gayeta and Quezon Gov. Tan.  SARIAYA, Quezon – Governor Angelina "Doktora Helen" Tan has ta...

By Nimfa Estrellado

Sariaya Mayor Gayeta and Quezon Gov. Tan. 

SARIAYA, Quezon – Governor Angelina "Doktora Helen" Tan has taken swift action in response to growing environmental concerns by ordering the immediate halt of all quarry activity in the town of Sariaya. The governor's directive, announced on April 26, 2024, underscores her commitment to preserving the province's natural resources and ensuring sustainable practices.

This decision stems from ongoing public outcry regarding quarrying operations, along with findings reported by Tanggol Kalikasan, a non-governmental organization involved in public interest environmental advocacy in the Philippines, highlighting potential environmental threats.



The Governor has tasked the Provincial Mining and Regulatory Board (PMRB) and the Provincial Government - Environment and Natural Resources Office (PG-ENRO) with enforcing the order and preventing illegal quarrying activities within Quezon Province.

In a video message released on April 26, 2024, on the Provincial Government of Quezon and Doctor Helen Tan's official Facebook pages, the governor emphasized that responsible regulation of quarries has been a priority since her election.

"Sa inyo pong lahat mula ng ako'y nahalal parte po ng ating adbokasiya ang pangangalaga o pagpapahalaga sa ating inang yaman gano'n din ang responsible at sistemamableng paggamit ng ating likas na yaman kaya naman ng mula ng ako po ay mahalal bilang inyo pong gobernador ay agaran ko pong itinagubilin ang tamang regulasyon sa operasyon ng mga quarry sa ating lalawigan," she said.

Governor Tan's announcement aligns with Sariaya Mayor Marcelo Gayeta's public call to stop quarrying activities in the town. While acknowledging Mayor Gayeta's authority to suspend business permits, " hindi na kailangang manawagan si Mayor Gayeta dahil bilang punong-bayan ay may kapangyarihan ito na kapag may nakitang paglabag sa regulasyon ng mga operators or permittees ng quarry ay pwede niya itong i-cancel o i-suspend ang kanilang business permit."

Tan responded to Gayeta's request by ordering the cessation of all quarry activities in Sariaya. This action aligns with the directive of the PMRB and the PGENRO to prevent illegal quarrying operations throughout the province.

The governor urged the mayor to thoroughly review all business permits issued by the PMRB for permitted quarry sites in Sariaya. This review will facilitate a comprehensive study to ensure the responsible preservation of natural resources, especially those near Mount Banahaw's protected areas.

Furthermore, Tan instructed the PMRB to investigate Sariaya quarries operating without a valid mayor's permit. This investigation will help refine policies surrounding the issuance of quarry and mayor's permits, promoting the sustainable use of the province's natural resources.

In addition the official has ordered the PGENRO to immediately implement the provisions of Section 102 of the Revised Environmental Code, which will designate areas to be declared closed to mining, particularly areas close to protected areas.

Mayor Gayeta has publicly appealed to his constituents to join him in opposing quarrying operations. He circulated petition logbooks for residents to sign, emphasizing that participation is voluntary. The mayor's concern stems from public criticism and the impact on his family.

"Ang mga log book po na ito na inihanda ng aking pamilya ay ikakalat namin sa mga barangay upang lagdaan ng mga kaba-bayan namin na hindi na sumasang-ayon sa operasyon ng quarry sa aming bayan. Ito po ay walang pilitan," said Gayeta after signing. The mayor lamented that his name has already been dragged on the issue of quarry operations and that his family has also been affected.

During a recent information hour at the regular session of the Sangguniang Bayan of Sariaya, newly appointed PGENRO, John Lozano, highlighted Section 102 of the Provincial Environmental Code. This section emphasizes the province's commitment to environmental preservation by designating specific areas where mining and quarrying activities are strictly prohibited.

Gayeta has issued an executive order permanently halting blasting operations in Sariaya. This decisive action was taken in response to community concerns and acknowledges that the owner of the affected land did not possess the necessary permits for such activity.