Pinatubo Sand Price Triples, Construction Costs in Luzon Continues Rise

With the recent increase in prices for construction materials, it’s no surprise the price of Lahar Sand from Mt. Pinatubo also tripled. Unfiltered sand now costs PHP1,500 per cubic meter compared to its previous price of PHP550 per cubic meter in Luzon.

According to President of the Porac Haulers and Truckers Association Lennard Lansang, it is a necessary move to make up for load reduction despite the complaints received from the sudden increase. The price increase is also necessary to help cover the rise in transport expenses, including the increase in oil prices.

Load reduction is also another reason for the increase, as 10-wheeler trucks are now allowed to load only up to 14 cubic meters of sand. This is so they can comply with the 33-ton weight limit imposed by the North Luzon Expressway Corp. to make way for the repairs at the Candaba Viaduct.

Pampanga Governor Dennis Pineda has also taken steps to comply with Republic Act No. 8794 or the Anti-Overloading Act of 2000. This means that haulers would need to cut the sidings of their trucks to meet the gross vehicle weight requirement. Earlier this month, Pineda imposed a 15-day suspension of operations so quarry haulers can comply with the requirements. This suspension alone has caused the province at least PHP50 million in revenues.

Only truckers with new hauling passes from the Pampanga government will be allowed to skip the NLEX weighing bridge and continue with their operations without delays. As of writing, about 1,700+ other truckers are due for measuring. Truckers will need to comply with this new requirement, as only those with new hauling passes will be allowed to buy sand or gravel in the quarry sites.

Continuous Rise In Construction Material Prices

The Philippine Statistics Authority released the February 2022 Retail Price Index for Construction Materials earlier this year. The index showed a rise in the cost of materials because of its upward trend. Because of this and the impending inflation hike that’s seen to take place as the year ends, the prices of construction materials will continue to rise and will continue to affect the construction industry of the Philippines in several ways. The effects of the price increase may include doubling the cost of the project budget to the decrease of demand in the construction industry.

READ MORE: Higher Material Prices: How Does it Affect the Construction Cost Budget?

Sources:

• Orejas, T. (2022, August 22). Luzon construction cost may rise as Pinatubo sand price triples. INQUIRER.net. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1650613/luzon-construction-cost-may-rise-as-pinatubo-sand-price-triples
• Magasino, D. (2019, May 2). Construction materials from lahar could be a factor in Porac supermarket collapse —geologist Rodolfo. GMA News Online. https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/693171/construction-materials-from-lahar-could-be-a-factor-in-porac-supermarket-collapse-geologist-rodolfo/story/