MAYOR Sara Duterte has a created a task group that will help regulate quarry operations.
In Executive Order (E.O) No. 48, released on August 12, the mayor said the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro) complaints in relation to unregulated quarry activities with many of those behind the operations did not even have permits and other necessary documents.
The mayor emphasized in the order the need to address all issues and to guarantee the proper implementation of quarrying laws and other related policies and ordinances.
Members of the the task include the head of Cenro as chair, the head of the Mines and Geo-Sciences Bureau (MGB)-XI as vice chair, and the head/representatives of the City Engineer’s Office (CEO, City Planning and Development Office (CPDO)-Zoning Division, City Treasurer’s Office (CTO), Department of Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR), Mindanao Association of Mining Engineers, Society of Filipino Foresters, Inc. (SFFI), and Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (Idis) as members.
The members are tasked to conduct regular ocular inspections, prepare reports on violations and recommendations, monitor and ensure all terms and conditions of quarry permits are complied with, formulate mitigating measures to properly address any negative environmental impact during operation, and make a periodic report to the mayor.
Davao City has several approved quarry permits for commercial sand and gravel, earth fill, and limestone along the Davao, Lasang, Matina Pangi, and Talomo rivers.
