I have written an open letter to the Honorable Members of the Provincial Board of Cebu to share an economic perspective on the province’s mineral and quarry sector and to encourage a broader discussion on how natural resources are governed in the context of long-term development.
Over the past three years, Cebu has generated more than PhP56 billion in mineral production, including nearly Php4 billion in quarry and non-metallic minerals used for infrastructure and construction across the region. These figures highlight the significant role that mineral resources play in supporting economic growth and development in the province.
At the same time, many quarry operations occur in upland areas that also serve as critical watersheds and ecological systems. The purpose of the open letter is to respectfully invite the Provincial Board to consider how emerging policy tools—particularly natural capital accounting under **Republic Act No. 11995—can help ensure that Cebu’s development continues in a manner that recognizes both the economic value of mineral resources and the environmental systems that sustain communities.
I hope that the letter contributes constructively to ongoing discussions on how Cebu can balance economic progress with environmental stewardship for the benefit of present and future generations.
Real LexEcon 