By Rachel Magday   KASIBU,Nueva Vizcaya — The Department of Agriculture (DA) Philippine Rural Development Project – Regional Project Coordination Office 02 has officially handed over the Malabing Farm-to-Market Road to the Local Government Unit of Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya. This P193 million infrastructure project is set to transform the region, enhancing the agricultural landscape of the area known as the Citrus Capital of the North. DA Assistant Secretary for Operations and PRDP Deputy Project Director U-Nichols Manalo attended the turnover ceremony on behalf of Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. Highlighting the project’s impact, Manalo stated, “This FMR will enhance accessibility and will foster economic growth, open up new markets to increase the livelihood and income of our beneficiaries – the citrus farmers.” He reiterated the Department’s commitment to supporting farmers and fisherfolk and addressing the challenges within the agriculture sector. Regional Executive Director and Project Director Rose Mary G. Aquino congratulated the officials of Kasibu for completing the project on schedule. She emphasized the importance of leveraging the new infrastructure for enterprise development, urging the community to explore by-products such as Vitamin C. “PRDP is not only about roads but also agribusiness. There should be related enterprises to be put up that will contribute to the economic development of people’s lives,” Aquino noted. Former Governor Ruth R. Padilla, representing Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito, reflected on the project’s origins during her tenure. She expressed pride in the collaborative efforts that brought the project to completion , stating, “This project was initiated during my incumbency as Governor with citrus as commodity. But the completion of this is a manifestation of our unified efforts in supporting agriculture in this province.” Governor Gambito shared his thoughts on the project’s significance, saying, “The Malabing Farm-to-Market Road is more than just a pathway; it’s a gateway to prosperity for our farmers. This infrastructure will empower our agricultural community to expand their reach, improve their productivity, and ultimately enrich the agricultural heritage of Nueva Vizcaya. Supporting agriculture is a top priority for my administration, and I am committed to ensuring that our farmers have the resources and infrastructure they need to thrive.” Kasibu Mayor Romeo Tayaban, expressed gratitude to the DA PRDP for funding the project. Of the total cost, the provincial government, under the late Governor Carlos M. Padilla, allocated P10 million as a counterpart, while the municipal government of Kasibu contributed P20 million. Spanning four barangays with a total population of 737 and 165 households, the construction of the road began in March 2022 and was completed in October 2024. The event saw the attendance of various officials, including Regional Technical Director Kay S. Olivas, Vice Mayor Alberto Bumolo Jr., Provincial Agriculturist Absalom Rizal Baysa, and several barangay captains from the area.

The province of Nueva Vizcaya, under the leadership Governor Atty.Jose “Jing” V. Gambito, is set to receive a P7.5 million fund from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). This funding marks a significant collaboration between the provincial government and DOLE, aimed at enhancing the growing coffee industry in the province. DOLE Provincial Director Elizabeth U. Martinez, revealed that the allocated funds will be used to support and further develop the coffee industry in Nueva Vizcaya. The beneficiaries of this initiative include five Coffee Farmers Associations from the municipalities of Ambaguio, Sta. Fe, Kasibu, Kayapa, and Dupax del Sur. According to Martinez, the funds will be dedicated to purchasing essential equipment for the coffee farmers, enabling them to improve their production capabilities. In addition to supporting the farmers, DOLE will also allocate funds to 13 coffee shops across the province. Each coffee shop will receive between P250,000 to P300,000, intended for training and equipment to enhance the quality of their coffee offerings. Governor Gambito expressed his gratitude towards DOLE for their support, stating, “We are thankful for this funding from the Department of Labor and Employment. This support is a vital step towards the growth of our coffee industry. We cannot solely rely on the provincial government’s fund, as it is limited and insufficient to implement all our programs effectively. Therefore, we must partner with national agencies to secure additional funding, ensuring the continuous development and prosperity of our province.” The provincial government and DOLE anticipate that the funds will be downloaded to the province within the month, as stated by Martinez. This initiative is expected to significantly boost the local coffee industry, providing both farmers and coffee shop owners with the necessary resources to thrive and compete in the market. (Post from Gayyem TV)              

By LJLorejo, Albay- PIO   LEGAZPI CITY – Mahigit 130 kaso na ng pertussis ang naitala ng Department of Health Bicol Center for Health Development Bicol (DOH CHD) sa lalawigan ng Albay. Sa record mula sa Philippine Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response Database Morbidity Week 47, mayroon ng 132 kaso ng pertussis ang naitala sa lalawigan simula nitong Enero taong kasalukuyan. Dumagdag ito ng 30 na kaso ngayong Nobyembre mula sa 102 cases na nairehistro noong buwan ng Oktubre. Paglilinaw naman ng PHO, na nasa 18 lamang sa mga ito ang laboratory-confirmed para sa mga buwan mula Enero hanggang Nobyembre. Dahil sa patuloy na naitatalang kaso ng nasabing sakit, mahigpit na iminumungkahi ng DOH-CHD na agarang magpa konsulta sa pinaka malapit na health center sakaling sabay-sabay na maramdaman ang mga sintomas gaya ng sipon, lagnat at ubo na lumala na sa loob ng isa hanggang dalawang linggo. Ang pertussis o “whooping cough” ay isang nakakahawang sakit na nakamamatay at karaniwang tumatama sa mga bata partikular na sa mga sanggol na mas bata pa sa anim na buwang gulang.