By Rachel Magday
NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — The province of Nueva Vizcaya was recognized as a Regional Winner in the Provincial Category at the 2025 SubayBAYANI Regional Awarding Ceremony held at Meynard’s Resort and Convention Center in Tuguegarao City on October 30. The province was also named a National Finalist, underscoring its continued success in effective and efficient infrastructure governance.
Representing the Provincial Government of Nueva Vizcaya at the ceremony were Assistant Provincial Engineer Noel V. Adducul; personnel from the PPDO; Engr. Cesar A. Senteta; Engr. Jophel B. Lacuesta; and Mr. Raffy Ian P. Pagala, who accepted the award on the province’s behalf.
The infrastructure project recognized for its sound implementation and results is the upgrading of the Jct. Nat’l–Bua–Bulala–Muta–Macabenga Road in Kasibu—
a three-kilometer undertaking with a total budget of P73 million. Implemented in two phases in 2019 and 2020 through the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s Conditional Matching Grant to Provinces (CMGP), the works included concrete paving, stone masonry headwalls and slope protection, metal guardrails, warning and chevron signs, and white thermoplastic pavement markings.
According to Provincial Engineer Jerry A. Tan, the entire provincial road section from Brgy. Bua in Kasibu to Brgy. Macabenga in Dupax del Norte was fully concreted in 2022 after the provincial government allocated more than P166 million to complete over 10 kilometers of concrete road, further improving connectivity along the route.
The upgraded roads are already producing measurable economic and social benefits. Farmers in Kasibu and surrounding barangays can now transport produce more quickly and at lower cost to the Nueva Vizcaya Agricultural Terminal (NVAT), reducing spoilage and improving market returns. Residents and students enjoy safer, shorter trips to schools, markets, and health centers, while more reliable public transport and reduced vehicle wear have improved everyday mobility and supported local commerce by shortening travel times between upland communities and town centers.
“Our message is simple: infrastructure in Nueva Vizcaya is built right, monitored closely, and meant to serve our people,” Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito said. “This SubayBAYANI recognition shows that when we follow standards and demand transparency, farmers earn more, students travel safer, and communities thrive.”
The SubayBAYANI Awards, the DILG’s flagship recognition program, honors exemplary local governments for excellence in infrastructure delivery and spotlights tangible community gains achieved through sound governance and citizen-centered innovation.
