By Rachel Magday
NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — The provincial government of Nueva Vizcaya is seeking technical assistance from Catalyste+ for the sustainable development of Bagabag Airport, a priority initiative of Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito aimed at boosting tourism, improving connectivity, and spurring economic growth in the province.
The request was presented by Provincial Tourism and Culture Officer Marichelle O. Costales during a recent meeting with representatives of Global Affairs Canada, the Embassy of Canada, and Catalyste+.
Among those present were Mourad Graidia of Global Affairs Canada; Simon Snoxell of the Embassy of Canada; Jane Imai, senior program manager for Asia at Catalyste+ International Services; and Yen Ton, monitoring, evaluation and learning officer for Vietnam and the Philippines.
Costales said the province is seeking support for a viability assessment and the preparation of an investment concept for the airport project, as well as an investor and commercial partner engagement strategy.
She said the provincial government aims to attract aviation schools, tourism-related enterprises, food and beverage operators, logistics providers, and other businesses compatible with airport operations.
Judith Asuncion, head of the Provincial Cooperative and Enterprise Development Office (PROCEDE), said the proposal has already been recommended for approval by Catalyste+ Philippines and forwarded to the organization’s main office in Canada for final review.
PROCEDE is the provincial government’s lead office in coordinating Catalyste+-supported projects in Nueva Vizcaya.
Gambito said the activation of Bagabag Airport remains one of his administration’s key priorities.
“The activation of Bagabag Airport is one of our key priorities because it will not only boost tourism in Nueva Vizcaya, but also help drive the local economy, create more opportunities for our people, and improve connectivity not only in Cagayan Valley but even to neigboring regions”, the governor said.
He also thanked Catalyste+ for its continued support for the province’s development initiatives.
Catalyste+ has been a long-time partner of the Nueva Vizcaya provincial government. Among their joint undertakings is the province’s designation as the sole provincial pilot area for Catalyste+’s three-year iLEAD program from 2026 to 2028.
The program includes the establishment of an information technology hub, food security and climate-smart agriculture interventions, and strengthened engagement with civil society organizations.
Catalyste+ also provided technical assistance for the feasibility study of the provincial government’s proposed rice processing center, another flagship initiative now being pursued by the province.
Funded by Global Affairs Canada, Catalyste+ provides technical assistance, capacity building, and investment facilitation to support private sector-led and inclusive economic growth in partner countries. Its services include market assessments, project development, and stakeholder engagement.
