By Rachel Magday   Atty. Jose V. Gambito was formally sworn in as Governor of Nueva Vizcaya on Monday, pledging to build on the province’s recent gains and continue championing inclusive development in his first full term as the province’s chief executive. The oath-taking ceremony was held at the Carlos M. Padilla Convention Center, where Governor Gambito was joined by Congressman Atty. Timothy Joseph E. Cayton, Vice Governor Eufemia Ang Dacayo, and members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan in taking their oaths. Several municipal officials also took their oaths during the event, including Diadi Mayor Sandy Gayaton, Vice Mayor Rolito Dulnuan, and members of their Sangguniang Bayan, as well as Councilors Ricardo L. Bonus and Atty. Mark Joel P. Balgos of Bambang. In a show of unity, Congressman Cayton and Vice Governor Dacayo both committed to working closely with Governor Gambito to ensure the continuous progress and prosperity of Nueva Vizcaya. The two officials expressed their full support for the governor’s vision and programs, emphasizing the importance of cooperation among the province’s leaders for the benefit of all Vizcayanos. In his message, Governor Gambito expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support he received in the recent elections, which he described as a “testament to your trust.” He recounted his rise to the governorship in 2023, following the untimely passing of then-Governor Carlos M. Padilla, and reflected on the challenges and apprehensions he faced during his initial months in office. “The warm embrace of our people, the openness to new ideas, and the responsiveness to our flagship projects gave me confidence to move forward,” Gambito said, highlighting the province’s achievements under his leadership. He cited Nueva Vizcaya’s insurgency-free status, its elevation to a first-class province, and its ranking as the second fastest-growing economy in the Philippines. The province also received its first-ever Seal of Good Local Governance from the Department of the Interior and Local Government. “These achievements are the fruits of our unity, the dedication of our provincial employees, and the transformation in the way we serve our people,” he said. Looking ahead, Gambito outlined a comprehensive agenda for his administration, including the continuation and expansion of infrastructure programs such as “Kalsada ti Kabanbantayan” and “Dalan ti Umili,” and the extension of the “Free WiFi ti Umili” initiative to all public schools. He also vowed to improve healthcare by equipping hospitals with modern facilities and expanding the reach of the Wellness Caravan to remote areas. The governor announced plans to reopen Bagabag Airport in coordination with the Department of Tourism to boost inter-regional tourism connectivity, and to extend incentives to senior citizens, including octogenarians and those aged 70 to 79. He reaffirmed his commitment to making Nueva Vizcaya an organic province, promoting renewable energy, and supporting local farmers through the establishment of a Palay Processing Center. “Our vision is a province that is progressive, inclusive, and resilient—a Nueva Vizcaya where no one is left behind,” Gambito said. Reflecting on his political journey, Gambito shared that he had run for governor three times before finally winning, attributing his eventual victory to “divine providence and the trust of the Vizcayanos.” “This is not just my victory, but a victory for all of us—for every Vizcayano who believes in honesty, hard work, and genuine service,” he concluded. The oath-taking ceremony was historic for Nueva Vizcaya, as it was the first time the three highest provincial officials took their oaths together in one venue. Notably, Cayton and Dacayo ran under Aksyon Demokratiko, while Gambito was elected under the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas–Nacionalista Party coalition, making their show of unity a significant milestone for the province.    

Kasabay ng pagbisita sa Lalawigan ng Sorsogon ni PNP Chief Police General Nicolas D. Torre III ay naging makasaysayan ang pagsuko ng walong rebeldeng Sorsoganon na pormal na nagbalik-loob sa pamahalaan. Personal na nasaksihan ni Gen. Torre ang seremonya ng kanilang pagbabalik, na isinagawa sa ilalim ng inisyatiba ng pamahalaang panlalawigan sa pamumuno ni Governor Boboy Hamor. Pinasalamatan ni Gen. Torre ang liderato ni Governor Hamor sa pagbibigay ng tunay na pagkakataon sa mga dating rebelde na makapagsimulang muli. Kabilang sa tulong na ibinibigay ng pamahalaang panlalawigan ay ang pagkakaloob ng trabaho at sapat na tulong-pinansyal bilang bahagi ng kanilang repormasyon at pagbabalik sa normal na pamumuhay. Sa kanyang pahayag, muling iginiit ni Governor Boboy Hamor ang kanyang paninindigang ipagpatuloy ang pagsusulong ng kapayapaan sa lalawigan habang siya’y nanunungkulan. Ang hakbang na ito ay bahagi ng patuloy na kampanya ng pamahalaang panlalawigan laban sa insurhensiya at sa pagtataguyod ng mas ligtas, payapa, at maunlad na Sorsogon sa inisyatiba ng 7K Katrangkiluhan program. (Sorsogon PIO)  

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), in partnership with the Department of Budget and Management, is set to start the construction of a new Php360-million dormitory for student-athletes at the National Academy of Sports (NAS) in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac. During NAS’s fifth founding anniversary celebration on 18 June 2025, BCDA President and CEO Engr. Joshua M. Bingcang announced that the construction of the five-storey, 1,500-square-meter facility, which will house up to 400 student-athletes, is set for completion in 2026. The dormitory will feature 14 quad-sharing rooms for female students and 14 squad-sharing rooms for male students. It will also include an atrium, dining hall, recreational spaces, a kitchen and dishwashing area, administrative offices, and laundry and utility rooms—ensuring a well-rounded and supportive living environment for the student-athletes. “The presence of NAS in New Clark City reflects BCDA’s belief that investing in our youth is essential to nation-building,” said Engr. Bingcang. “By equipping our young athletes with world-class resources and facilities, we are not only developing champions in sports—we are nurturing the future leaders of our country.” Supporting this initiative is DBM, which reaffirmed its commitment to NAS’s long-term vision. “Our student-athletes deserve nothing less than a world-class environment where they can train harder, dream bigger, and shine brighter,” said DBM Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman. “Thanks to BCDA, every part of this campus—from classrooms to courts—was built not only to inspire, but to demonstrate our commitment to helping young athletes realize their full potential.” Lawmakers also expressed their continued support for the development of NAS. Senators Sherwin Gatchalian and Bong Go—who recently visited the NAS campus—highlighted the role of education and infrastructure in supporting the country’s athletic potential. “Gamitin natin itong oportunidad para hasain ang ating mga sarili at higit sa lahat, magdala ng karangalan para sa ating bansa. Kami ay naniniwala sa inyong talento at naniniwala kami na kayo ang magiging future leaders ng ating bansa,” said Senator Gatchalian, Chairperson of the Committee on Basic Education, Arts and Culture. “(Let us make the most of this opportunity to hone our skills and, more importantly, bring pride to our country. We believe in your talent and in your potential as future leaders.)” “The success of NAS is a victory for the Filipino youth,” added Senator Go, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports and co-author of Republic Act No. 11470, also known as the National Academy of Sports Act. “I remain deeply committed to initiatives that empower our youth to pursue excellence in both academics and athletics.” In addition to the new dormitory, construction is also ongoing for a new gymnasium and dedicated gymnastics court. Currently, NAS is home to 270 student-athletes enrolled in various academic and athletic disciplines. With the addition of new facilities, New Clark City continues to emerge as a premier destination for world-class sports infrastructure—shaping not just athletes, but future champions of the nation.