To end soil erosion and excessive mining and to address the problem of dilapidated roads in the province, Bulacan Governor Daniel R. Fernando issued Executive Order No. 21-2022 on the temporary suspension of all mining permits, quarrying, dredging, desilting, and other types of mineral extractive operations in Bulacan.
Fernando, during a dialogue with the mining stakeholders and other affected sectors spearheaded by the Bulacan Environmental and Natural Resources Office (BENRO) on Wednesday, Aug. 24, at The Red Arc Events Place in Brgy. Wawa, Balagtas, said he initiated the issuance of the EO following the constant deterioration of roads caused by the overloading of transport vehicles of land minerals and other commodities.
The governor said that these efforts aim to support the administration of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr. as he steers the country toward further progress and development.
Representatives from concerned agencies were present during the dialogue for further planning and strict implementation to support the EO, including the Bulacan Police Provincial Office headed by Col. Charlie A. Cabradilla, acting Bulacan police director; Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 1st district Engineer Henry C. Alcantara, Provincial Mining Regulatory Board represented by Engr. Reynaldo Cruz from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau-Region 3 and the Land Transportation Office (LTO) represented by Carina Macapagal, Chief of LTO Malolos District Office.
The Bulacan governor said the DPWH, LTO, Philippine National Police, and Highway Patrol Group should act now and help address the long overdue problems of overloading and dilapidated roads.
"I want your cooperation in this matter. I need your help," he said.
Fernando added that the implementation of the EO will also give way to the pending evaluation of the Provincial Government to determine and come up with an updated matrix and policies for mining stakeholders and trucking companies.
Meanwhile, BENRO head Attorney Julius Victor Degala clarified that the province is currently enforcing the “no excessive volume policy” provided under the Provincial Ordinance C-005 or the Environmental Code of the Province of Bulacan which sets the limit of the volume per truck.
With the governor's mandate, Degala will also implement strict surveillance at checkpoints and will set certain means of verification in accordance with the policy.
E.O. No. 21 takes effect in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government Code and will be lifted once the goal is achieved. Those who will violate the Executive Order shall pay a fine of P5,000 per violation; be imprisoned for not less than six months but not exceeding a year, and have their permits revoked.