By Helen Castaño, PIMO | 11:25 AM October 29, 2025
The provincial government of Bohol, led by Governor Aris Aumentado, has posted a record-breaking increase in revenue collections from the province’s mining and quarrying sector, signaling stronger reforms, fairer enforcement, and improved transparency.
During the latest episode of Aris sa Katawhan: Takna sa Gobernador, Gov. Aumentado reported that income from quarrying and sand operations has reached P141 million, a dramatic rise from P15 million under the previous administration and only P5 million in earlier years.
“We take this seriously because we want the province’s income from quarrying and sand operations to go directly into government coffers,” Aumentado said.
LGUs also reap bigger shares
The increased revenue has directly benefited local governments. Based on data from the Bohol Mineral Resources Regulatory Office (BMinRRO), barangays have already received P52.22 million as their share from sand and gravel collections, while municipalities have been given P44.18 million.
“This has a big impact on our barangays and LGUs since it gives them additional income for their operations and development projects,” the governor added.
Fair and strict enforcement
Retired Col. Eduardo Malig-on, head of the Bohol Environmental Protection Task Force (BEPTF), said enforcement has been “strict but fair,” in line with the governor’s directive of “no political colors” in the implementation of mining and quarrying laws.
The BEPTF currently has two enforcement teams conducting regular inspections and checkpoints to ensure all quarrying activities follow environmental and operational standards. Trucks transporting sand and gravel without valid delivery receipts (DRs) are impounded until all fines and requirements are settled.
Aumentado commended the task force for its diligence, saying that his administration does not tolerate favoritism.
“Even if they are my friends, if they violate the rules, they must pay their dues,” he stressed.
New ordinance to boost provincial income
BMinRRO Head Engr. Ana Luisa Galicinao announced that the newly approved Provincial Ordinance No. 2025-023, amending the Bohol Mining Ordinance of 2020, now allows the province to collect taxes from mining operators importing aggregates and mineral materials into Bohol.
For over three decades, the province had not collected any fees from imported aggregates. With this amendment, the government can now regulate and tax these operations — generating new income while ensuring accountability.
Aumentado said the measure is essential since these import activities contribute to the wear and tear of public infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and ports.
To ensure compliance, the BMinRRO will hold an orientation and briefing for around 100 mining stakeholders, traders, and contractors on December 10.
A model of reform and transparency
With record-high collections, expanded taxing powers, and strengthened enforcement, Gov. Aumentado said Bohol’s mining and quarrying sector has become a model of good governance and fiscal reform under the province’s Strategic Governance Roadmap.
“These reforms prove that when systems are transparent and fair, everyone benefits — from the province down to the barangays,” he concluded.
