By: Valerie Ann Dismaya
The province of Pangasinan has collected a record-high 235.5 million pesos in quarry tax revenue in 2024, enabling more development projects in various barangays and municipalities.
According to data from the Provincial Treasurer’s Office, the earnings are the highest in the province’s history.
Governor Ramon V. Guico III said the improved quarry system allowed for a more equitable and transparent distribution of funds.
“For the first time in Pangasinan, barangays and municipalities that host these quarry activities received their fair share from quarry taxes, more than 10 times what they used to receive,” the governor said. “In this gubernatorial term, the revenues increased from just 16 million by more than 14, 15, 16 times. So that is the mark of, I believe, good governance.”
One of the direct beneficiaries is Barangay Guzon in Tayug town, which received over 10 million pesos in 2024.
“Our share from the quarry tax is very important for us to establish more projects for our barangay. Last year, we actually received more than 10 million pesos,” said Barangay Captain Teddy Canaveral.
With the additional funds, the barangay was able to build a new barangay hall and daycare center, and install solar-powered streetlights to improve community safety.
A total of 27 barangays from municipalities including San Fabian, Malasiqui, and Binmaley received their respective shares from the tax.
Under the revenue-sharing scheme, 40% goes to the host barangay, 30% to the host municipality, and the remaining 30% to the provincial government.
The provincial government said the funds are being used for programs in education, infrastructure, health, security, and more.
