Posted on November 19, 2025
BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya – The ban on sand and gravel quarrying in Nueva Vizcaya has been lifted to support the government’s rehabilitation and recovery efforts in the province.
The decision followed a meeting of the Provincial Mining Regulatory Board (PMRB) on Friday, November 14, in this town in response to requests from the League of Municipalities of Nueva Vizcaya and the Department of Public Works and Highways to ease the suspension of quarry operations.
Governor Jose Gambito, who also serves as vice chair of the PMRB, said the move was prompted by the urgent need to repair roads, bridges, and other infrastructure damaged by Super Typhoon Uwan.
“Sand and gravel are now critically needed for public works as part of our restoration, recovery, and rehabilitation program,” he said.
Engineer Mario Ancheta, regional director of the Mines and GeoSciences Bureau and PMRB chairperson, explained that the board agreed to grant permits under strict conditions.
Municipal local government units must first submit the exact locations of proposed quarry sites within their jurisdictions before permits are issued. Private contractors undertaking government projects must also submit a copy of their Program of Work specifying the exact volume of sand and gravel required; only the approved quantities will be authorized for extraction.
“These permits apply solely to government projects and do not cover commercial quarrying. They will remain in effect until Dec. 31, with the option for extension if necessary,” Ancheta added.
The suspension of sand and gravel extraction in the province was initially imposed by Gambito due to the absence of Environmental Compliance Certificates among quarry operators, a key requirement for securing quarry permits.
The PMRB is the provincial authority on mining concerns, responsible for issuing quarry permits, monitoring small-scale mining activities, and ensuring operators comply with mining laws and environmental regulations.
