Governor Jose V. Gambito has expressed his heartfelt gratitude to President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. for extending financial assistance of ₱50 million to the Novo Vizcayano farmers affected by the El Niño phenomenon. The aid was personally handed over to Gov. Gambito by President Marcos Jr. during his visit to Region 2, specifically in Ilagan City. “This generous support from President Marcos Jr. is a significant lifeline for our farmers who have been struggling due to the adverse effects of El Niño,” Gov. Gambito said. “We are deeply thankful for this timely intervention, which will go a long way in helping our agricultural sector recover and sustain their livelihoods.” The ₱50 million assistance, which will be distributed to 5,000 farmers at ₱10,000 each, aims to provide immediate relief and support to Novo Vizcayano farmers. This aid will ensure that they can continue their farming activities despite the challenges posed by the prolonged dry spell. In addition to the aid provided to Novo Vizcayano farmers, President Marcos Jr. also extended financial assistance to other provinces in the region.  He handed over ₱10million to Batanes Gov. Marilou Cayco, ₱50 million each to Cagayan Gov. Manuel Mamba and Isabela Gov. Rodolfo Albano III, and ₱30.92 million to Quirino Gov. Dakila Cua. This collective support aims to bolster the agricultural sector in these provinces and help farmers overcome the challenges brought about by the adverse weather conditions. The visit saw President Marcos Jr., accompanied by House Speaker Martin G. Romualdez,Cong. Zandro A. Marcos and other national officials, distributing financial aid to farmers, fisherfolks, and families across the Cagayan Valley. The total aid distributed amounted to nearly P200 million, aimed at alleviating the hardships brought about by the prolonged dry spell. During the event, President Marcos Jr. highlighted the government’s various initiatives designed to support the agricultural sector and enhance food security. He proudly mentioned programs such as “Kadiwa ng Pangulo,” which connects farmers directly with consumers, ensuring better prices for agricultural produce. Additionally, he spoke about the “Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair,” a program that brings government services and financial assistance closer to the citizens, and the “Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund,” which provides comprehensive support to rice farmers. “These initiatives are part of our commitment to uplift the lives of our farmers and fisherfolks and ensure that they have the necessary resources to thrive despite challenges like El Niño,” President Marcos Jr. stated. By Rachel Magday

TARLAC CITY- Alinsunod sa adhikain ni Gov. Susan A. Yap na siguraduhin ang maayos at matiwasay na kalusugan ng bawat mamamayan saan mang dako ng probinsya,isang komprehensibong medical mission ang natamasa ng mga Tarlakenyo sa Baramgay Bacabac, Camiling,Tarlac,noong Hunyo 13. Iba’t ibang libreng serbisyong medikal ang natamasa ng mga Tarlakenyo tulad na lamang ng blood chem, medical check-up, dental check-up, blood donation, at X-ray. Bukod pa rito ay nakatanggap din ang mga Tarlakenyo ng mga libreng gamot, at bitamina. Labis naman ang pasasalamat na ipinapaabot ng mga Tarlakenyo sa kolektibong aksyon ng mga doktor, nars, at mga opisyales dahil sa matagumpay na pagsulong ng komprehensibong medical mission sa kanilang barangay.

Camp BGEN OSCAR M FLORENDO, La Union -Two high-value targets, one  associated with a notorious drug group was captured during separate buy-bust operations in Ilocos Norte, on June 15  The operations resulted in the confiscation of a total of  11.17 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated value of P75,556.00. The leader of the Gamdaca Drug Group under COPLAN GAMDA, was apprehended in the buy-bust operation in Solsona, Ilocos Norte. This successful operation was a collaborative effort led by Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit and Ilocos Norte Provincial Intelligence Unit together with Solsona MPS, RID 1, and PDEA INPO, with coordination from PDEA RO1. The suspect was found in possession of 8 grams of suspected shabu, neatly packaged in four heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets with an estimated value of P54,000.00. In a buy-bust operation in Sta. Cruz, Ilocos Sur, another high-value target was captured by personnel from Sta. Cruz MPS, ISPDEU, ISPIU, and Sta. Cruz MARLET unit, in coordination with PDEA RO1.  The operation yielded the confiscation of 3.17 grams of suspected shabu estimated at P21,556. Brig.Gen.Lou Evangelista,regional director, expressed his appreciation for the dedication and effectiveness of his team, stating, “These and other numerous arrests across the region are a testament to our promise of making Region 1 our safe homeland.” The successful capture of these high-value targets marks a significant blow to drug trafficking in the region and underscores the commitment of law enforcement to safeguarding the community against the impact of illegal drugs.

Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya – In a significant stride towards enhancing local infrastructure, Governor Atty. Jose “Jing” V. Gambito inaugurated the Sitio Balangabang, Kayapa Proper West Farm-to-Market Road (FTMR),Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya,on June 14.. The project, valued at P5 million, is a key initiative of the provincial government, funded by the 2024 20% Development Fund and executed by the Provincial Agricultural Office. The newly constructed road stretches 921 meters in length and 3 meters in width. Governor Gambito was joined by former Governor Ruth R. Padilla, Board Members Patricio F. Dumlao Jr. and Castillo Tidang Jr., Executive Assistant Emerlene Jane Galanta-Martinez, local officials of Kayapa led by Vice Mayor Peter Bay-an, and employees of the Provincial Agricultural Office, headed by Provincial Agriculture Officer Rizal Absalom Baysa. This project is part of Governor Gambito’s flagship “Kalsada ti Kabanbantayan” program, which aims to improve road accessibility in mountainous areas. The Sitio Balangabang FTMR will not only connect various barangays within Kayapa but also establish a crucial link between the provinces of Nueva Vizcaya and Benguet via Brgy Domolpos, Itogon. In his speech,Governor Gambito emphasized the importance of the “Kalsada ti Kabanbantayan” program as a demonstration of the provincial government’s dedication to supporting indigenous communities residing in the mountains. “This initiative is designed to enhance mountain roads, making them more accessible and easing the transportation of agricultural products for our mountain-dwelling citizens,” he explained. Governor Gambito also took the opportunity to highlight other significant projects under his administration. These include the “Free WiFi ti Umili” program, aimed at providing internet connectivity to even the most remote barangays in Nueva Vizcaya, which will greatly benefit students’ education. He also mentioned the ongoing improvements to provincial hospitals, ensuring that Novo Vizcayanos no longer need to travel to Baguio or Manila for specialized medical care. Additionally, he discussed the “Doctor ti Umili” scholarship program and the solar lighting project for remote households not serviced by NUVELCO. Provincial Agriculture Officer Absalom Baysa announced that several other projects are lined up for the municipality of Kayapa under the “Kalsada ti Kabanbantayan” program. These include the improvement of the Tidang-Cabanglasan-Binalian FMR with a P6 million fund, the improvement of the Kayapa Proper East to Cabalatan Alang FMR with a P5.8 million fund, and the improvement of the Binalian to Banao FMR with a P6.1 million fund. Governor Gambito called for the unity, cooperation, and prayers of all Novo Vizcayanos to ensure the successful implementation of these initiatives. “The key to our province’s progress lies in our unity. Rest assured, I will work double time to realize programs that will uplift the livelihood of our people. I also ask for your prayers to help me fulfill my aspirations for Nueva Vizcaya,” he affirmed. Former Governor Ruth Padilla expressed her gratitude to Governor Gambito for continuing the programs initiated by the late Governor Carlos M. Padilla. She pledged that if given another opportunity to serve the people of Nueva Vizcaya, she would collaborate with Governor Gambito to ensure the continuous development of the province. “Thank you, Governor Gambito, for upholding the legacy of the late Governor Carlos M. Padilla. If given another chance to serve, I promise to work alongside you for the sustained progress of our province,” Padilla remarked. By NVPG/RM  

LUMBAN,Laguna -“Kung mayroon pong mga turista, mayroon po kaming pinagtitindahan, pero  kapag wala po, wala rin pong tinda. Kaya napakalaking tulong po nitong tulong nila Senator Alan at Senator Pia Cayetano, dahil magagamit ko ito para sa pang-tuition fee ng aking anak.” These were the heartfelt words of Reysie delos Reyes Cacalda, an espasol vendor from Lumban, Laguna as she expressed gratitude for the assistance from the sibling senators which will significantly contribute to a higher cause—funding her child’s education. “Makakapagpa-graduate na po ako ng aking anak na [may kursong] Civil Engineering,” she added joyfully. Cavalda was one of the 1,000 beneficiaries from the partnership between the senators and the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program. This partnership brought support to the Municipality of Lumban in the Province of Laguna. On June 11, 2024, the senators’ offices reached out to community workers, women, and small business owners in Lumban to provide assistance for their needs. The distribution was organized in coordination with Lumban Vice Mayor Belen Raga, who expressed her gratitude to the senators on behalf of the beneficiaries. “Ako po ay lubos na nagpapasalamat sa tulong na dinala nila sa bayan ng Lumban. Sobrang blessing po ito para sa aming bayan at nawa po ay ibalik ito ng siksik, liglig ni Lord sa inyo,” she said. The activity also featured a Medical Assistance Desk to help individuals with medical expenses, covering hospital bills, medications, laboratory tests, and other diagnostic procedures. These initiatives are part of the Cayetanos’ ongoing efforts to support marginalized communities across the country. While the Senate is on a session break, their offices remain active, visiting various areas to bring aid closer to those in need. They closely collaborate with government agencies and local units to ensure that Filipinos receive the necessary assistance. ###bansa sa isa’t isa, lalo na sa mga panahon ng pangangailangan. “Whatever the problems are, [such as] economics, transportation, [and] the pandemic, we find a way to be relevant to each other,” wika niya. “When you need us, we will be there for you, and when we need you, you’re always there for us,” dagdag niya. Sa pagtatapos ng kanyang talumpati, pinasalamatan ni Cayetano si Paul Chan Mo-po, ang Financial Secretary ng Hong Kong, at nanawagan ng patuloy na pakikipagtulungan upang mapanatili ang matatag na relasyon ng dalawang rehiyon. “Thank you for the hospitality and the kindness you’re showing the Filipino people,” wika niya. “As you celebrate with us, you know the world is changing quite fast, but as long as we continue to be reliable, we continue to be relevant, and we continue to be resilient members of one family, we will continue our record,” dagdag niya.