South Cotabato LGU started the year with a P1,728,695.00 sand and gravel and mining ( SG & M) tax collection for January and February, in a report submitted recently by the Provincial Environment Management Office (PEMO).
The provincial share on the January and February 2015 SG & M tax collection amounted to P616,191.00.
This year PEMO still targets to collect an average of P1 million a month sand and gravel and mining tax despite its strict enforcement activities particularly on small-scale mining (SSM) operation in the municipality of T’boli.
In 2014, PEMO collected about P11 million SG & M tax.
Last February 6, Governor Daisy Avance Fuentes together with Vice-Governor Cecile Diel and Provincial Board Members inaugurated its Minahang Bayan Center located at the Municipal Gymnasium of T’boli.
The Center is envisioned to become a one-stop shop which will cater to the specific needs of SSM operators.
It has project cost of more than P960,000.00 taken from PDRRMO funds.
But Governor Fuentes disclosed that the long-term plan is to establish it as a training center for jewelry-making where goldsmiths will train local artisans about the craft to further enhance the gold and silver industry of the province.
Plans are now underway to collaborate with the Department of Trade and Industry and Department of Science and Technology to realize the project.
Mines and Geo-Sciences Division OIC Nencita Acain said two personnel of PEMO will be assigned to man the Center.
