With escalating hazards of climate change, the Provincial Government of Capiz has imposed an indefinite suspension on all new and renewal applications for mountain quarry operations.
Governor Fredenil “Oto” Castro formalized this through an executive order dated November 18, 2025.
Castro’s order is a precautionary step to protect natural landscapes and reduce disaster vulnerabilities, especially that many municipalities and even Roxas City experienced flash flood last October 18 due to the rains of Typhoon Ramil. It was followed by flooding during Typhoons Tino and Uwan.
With the indefinite suspension, Castro stopped both processing of permits as authorities reassess environmental and disaster risks tied to mineral extraction in upland areas.
“Mineral extraction, particularly mountain quarrying, has long been a critical component of local economy, contributing to development by providing raw materials for the construction industry,” said the governor in the executive order.
“However, this practice often comes at a cost, with environmental pollution, natural resource depletion, and disaster risks being common side effects,” he added.
This comes as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) called for the review and evaluation of existing policies on regulatory compliance.
Under the executive order, the Capiz Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (CaPENRO) is tasked to enforce the moratorium. CaPENRO will be backed by the Philippine National Police (PNP), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and DENR.
Meanwhile, CaPENRO will craft guidelines and coordinate enforcement of the moratorium that applies exclusively to mountain quarry operations.
But quarrying permits for commercial sand and gravel; government gratuitous; and private gratuitous are not covered by the moratorium.
