By Rachel Magday

 

NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — Three of Nueva Vizcaya’s brightest academic achievers and three young taekwondo champions who brought home medals from an international competition in South Korea were honored by the provincial government for bringing pride and distinction to the province.

The recognition took place during the provincial government’s weekly flag-raising program, paying tribute to outstanding Novo Vizcayanos who excelled in higher education and on the international sports stage.

Leading the academic honorees were two graduates who earned the distinction of Summa Cum Laude from Saint Louis University in Baguio City.

Ramon Emmiel Palcon Jasmin of Bonfal Proper, Bayombong, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science. A Department of Science and Technology–Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) scholar, Jasmin now works at Thinking Machines DataScience Inc. in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

He studied at Aldersgate College, Inc. from preparatory school through junior high school before completing senior high school at Saint Mary’s University. He is the son of retired Police Captain Vic Ramon D. Jasmin and Engineer Josephine P. Jasmin.

Also receiving top honors was Kyle Arvin Cepe Pataueg of Barangay Masoc, Bayombong, who graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.

A consistent dean’s lister from 2022 to 2026, Pataueg ranked among the top graduates of his program and earned certification as a paralegal. He finished elementary school at Saint Mary’s University Elementary Department and completed his junior and senior high school education at Nueva Vizcaya General Comprehensive High School.He is the son of Karrenel C. Pataueg and Reonel Joseph H. Pataueg.

The provincial government likewise recognized Alldre Stephanie Rivera Magaway of Roxas, Solano, who graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Saint Louis University.

Magaway is a recipient of the DOST NationalYouth Excellence Award, an International Mathematics Olympiad bronze medalist, and a qualifier in several national academic competitions.

She completed her elementary education at Bayombong Central Schooland graduated valedictorian from Nueva Vizcaya General Comprehensive High School. She is the daughter of Gloria Ritual and Samson Magaway.

The provincial government also honored three Novo Vizcayano athletes who captured gold and silver medals during the 2026 Muju 19th World Taekwondo Culture Expoheld from July 16 to 21 at Taekwondowonin Muju-gun, Jeonbuk State, South Korea.

The awardees were Yancy Jay D. Dinamling, 13, of Barangay Didipio, Kasibu, who won silver medals in Individual Poomsae and Kyorugi; Kazy Louise D. Tobiagon, 16, alsoof Barangay Didipio, who captured a gold medal in Kyorugi and a silver medal inIndividual Poomsae; and Alice D. Fernandez, 28, of Bayombong, who won gold medals in both Individual Poomsae and Kyorugi.

“The achievements of these young Novo Vizcayanos bring honor not only to themselves and their families but to the entire provinceof Nueva Vizcaya. They have raised our flag high and shown that with hard work, discipline and determination, our youth can excel anywhere—here at home or on the world stage,” Gambito said.

The governor urged other young Novo Vizcayanos to emulate the awardees’ commitment to excellence and assured continued provincial government support for programs that nurture students and athletes