ABOUT 30 representatives of trucking firms in the towns of Tuburan, Asturias and Balamban and the cities of Naga and Toledo in Cebu sought an amendment to the ordinance regulating quarrying operations in the province.
In a meeting with Baltazar Tribunalo Jr., chief of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, the trucking firm officials said they are asking that they not be apprehended when they carry more than 30 cubic meters of sand.
Evangeline Gabisan of Gabisan Haulers in Asturias town said they are asking Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III if they can be allowed to carry 15 cubic meters instead of just 10 cubic meters of sand or limestone.
“Alkansi mi sa tanan if mao ra nay allowed (We are losing money if that is the only allowable load),” Gabisan said.
“I won’t commit but I will ask the governor about this,” Tribunalo told the haulers.
Tribunalo said their request needs consultation and approval of both the governor and the Provincial Board (PB).
He advised the haulers to form a group to meet with the governor and the PB if they are given a chance to air their concern.
“Daghan tag problema sa sapa mao ato jud na ge-regulate ang problema. Ubay- ubay jud ang violations (There are many problems on the river that is why we regulate the problem since there are a lot of violations),” Tribunalo said.
The haulers said they were facing stiff competition from the Dumaguete haulers who sell sand and limestone to companies at a lower price.
Tribunalo clarified that there were no suspension on the operation of the truckers for as long as they have permits.
But he said the issuance of the delivery receipts (DR) were still on hold.
Tribunalo said regulating quarrying activities is critical to preserve the rivers./UP Cebu Intern Amy A. Macalinao