About Us

      The Provincial Quarry Office of the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PQO-PGIN) was established under Section 4 of the Provincial Ordinance No. 042-2020, also known as The 2020 Revised Quarry Ordinance of the Province of Ilocos Norte. The PQO-PGIN is led by the Provincial Administrator, who also serves as the Council Secretary of the Provincial Quarry Council (PQC). At present, Atty. Yvette N. Convento-Leynes as the Provincial Administrator leads the Provincial Quarry Office (PQO).

      The main functions of the Provincial Quarry Office (PQO) are outlined in the ordinance. The PQO head is responsible for preparing and certifying the correctness of all resolutions issued and approved by the PQC. These resolutions are attested by the PQC Chairman (the Provincial Governor) or, in his absence, the Vice Chairman (the Vice Governor).

      Furthermore, the PQO provides technical support to the council, assisting in its operations. One of the crucial responsibilities of the PQO is to accept applications for the Governor's Permit for Quarry Operations. The PQO determines compliance with all documentary requirements outlined in RA 7942 (Philippine Mining Act of 1995) and the Quarry Ordinance. However, any doubts regarding applications are referred to and resolved by the PQC, exercising its discretion.

      In addition, the PQO acts as the repository of all records related to quarry permits and other operations of permittees, excluding matters concerning the payment of fees, collections, and financial obligations to the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN), which fall under the jurisdiction of the Provincial Treasurer's Office (PTO).

      The PQO is also entrusted with other functions directly related to ensuring compliance with the terms and conditions of the Quarry Permit, Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC), and Certificate of Non-Coverage (CNC). Furthermore, the PQO performs additional functions in accordance with executive orders, memoranda issued by the Provincial Governor, provincial ordinances, or resolutions.

      Overall, the Provincial Quarry Office plays a vital role in the governance and regulation of quarry operations in Ilocos Norte. By providing technical support, processing permit applications, maintaining records, and enforcing compliance, the PQO contributes to the sustainable and responsible management of quarry resources in the province.