By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — The total market value of real properties in Nueva Vizcaya rose to P155.89 billion in 2025, with 290,657 registered properties boosting the province’s revenue base, according to the Provincial Assessment Office. Gov. Atty. Jose V. Gambito said the increase signals steady growth and growing investor and public confidence. “The increasing value of real properties in Nueva Vizcaya reflects the province’s steady growth and the rising confidence of our people and investors. More importantly, it strengthens our capacity to deliver better services through a fair and transparent real property assessment system,” he said. Acting Provincial Assessor Salvador G. Aquino said projected real property tax collections for 2025 reached P299.18 million, highlighting the importance of property-based revenues for provincial services. Office records showed 13,090 assessment-related documents — including tax declarations, certified true copies, and property certificates — were issued in 2025, generating P1.09 million in fees. The office also approved 8,897 new tax declarations for subdivisions, transfers and improvements, yielding P1.03 million in transfer tax collections. Aquino said updating the Schedule of Market Values (SMV) remains a top priority. The proposed 2027 SMV has been posted on bulletin boards, social media and the provincial website in compliance with Republic Act No. 12001. Public consultations are scheduled for April 7 and 13, 2026, with business groups, property owners, farmers, local governments and revenue offices invited to attend. The Provincial Assessment Office and the Provincial Treasury are preparing a Real Property Tax Compliance and Impact Study for the Department of Finance’s approval. The study will review taxpayer compliance, revenue implications and possible socioeconomic effects, and its findings will help the Sangguniang Panlalawigan set assessment levels. Aquino said the province is also preparing for a general revision of real property assessments in 2027 to keep valuations current and aligned with market conditions. Aquino, also reported that province ranked first in Cagayan Valley in real property tax collection efficiency and total locally sourced revenues. He announced the recognition during Monday’s flag-raising ceremony, saying the province also placed third in the growth of assessed property values from 2020 to 2024 and in overall local revenues. Aquino said Nueva Vizcaya ranked second in the timely and accurate submission of real property assessment reports, including for the first quarter of 2024, before rising to first in the second, third and fourth quarters. The province also received recognition for its Outstanding Focal Persons for fiscal year 2024. “These achievements reflect our sustained efforts to strengthen database management, improve assessment services, and uphold the integrity of our property records,” Aquino said. Gambito said the awards underscore the contribution of assessment personnel to the province’s revenue generation and public service delivery. “These recognitions are a testament to the dedication and professionalism of our assessment personnel. Their work directly contributes to strengthening our revenue base, which in turn allows us to deliver better services and programs to our people,” Gambito said. He said the provincial government remains committed to transparency, efficiency and innovation in governance.

  Amid growing concerns over watershed protection and water supply in Central Luzon, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) joined over 140 volunteers  in implementing the Abacan River Sustainable Clean-Up Program on March 21, as part of activities leading up to World Water Day and in observance of National Water Month The program, led by Balibago Waterworks System, Inc. and the Metro Angeles Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (MACCII), is conducted every third Saturday of the month. BCDA President and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang underscored the agency’s approach of aligning infrastructure development with environmental stewardship. “At BCDA, we see sustainability as a core responsibility. As we build infrastructure that drives economic growth, we are equally focused on protecting natural systems that sustain our communities. Development must not come at the expense of our water sources,” Engr. Bingcang said. Volunteers waded into the Abacan River in Brgy. Pampang, Angeles City and cleared 158 sacks of waste from a waterway that supports nearby communities and wildlife. According to Mini Arceo, CSR Manager of Balibago Waterworks System, Inc, water supply has been a challenge in areas of Metro Manila and Central Luzon. She explained: “Ang Abacan River Sustainable Clean-up ay inilunsad natin upang protektahan ang sources ng tubig natin. Dito sa Angeles City, Mabalacat, and City of San Fernando, kasama ito sa mga high risk of losing water…  Kailangan po talaga palaguin, pagandahin, paunlarin, ingatan ang ating mga water sources kagaya po ng Abacan River.” (“We launched the Abacan River Sustainable Clean-up to protect our water sources.  Angeles City, Mabalacat City and the City of San Fernando are among areas with high risk of losing water.  There is a need to grow, improve, develop and preserve our water sources such as the Abacan River.”) The recent return of migratory birds in some parts of the river shows how the continuous clean-up and rehabilitation are helping the ecosystem recover. This activity marks a step forward in how BCDA is advancing sustainability in Central Luzon and working with communities and partners to tackle environmental issues where it operates. Beyond clean-up drives, BCDA is also advancing a broader watershed restoration strategy in Central Luzon in support of the Department of Transportation (DOTr). In connection with the implementation of the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) Calamba Extension Project, the agencies are supporting the planting of approximately 700,000 indigenous tree seedlings across the Sapangbato Watershed in Angeles City and the Sacobia Watershed in Mabalacat City. The initiative is being implemented by the DOTr, in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Abacan River and Angeles Watershed Advocacy Council, Inc. (ARAW-ACI) and BCDA. The large-scale reforestation effort aims to restore forest cover, protect water sources, and mitigate the environmental impact of major infrastructure developments. Both projects show how BCDA is carrying out its sustainability work through partnerships with local groups, government agencies, and communities, in line with SDG 17. For BCDA, protecting rivers and greening projects in partnership with communities are critical initiatives on the ground.  These efforts support the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to pursue development that is climate-resilient, sustainable, and environmentally responsible.              

By Chester Carlo M. Trinidad   LA UNION, Philippines (PIA) — The province of La Union recorded 518,937 tourist arrivals in 2025, reflecting the growing impact of sustainable tourism on local economies and communities. The La Union Provincial Tourism Office said the strong turnout highlights the province’s efforts to promote responsible travel—balancing visitor growth with environmental protection and cultural preservation. Tourism remained a key economic driver, generating an estimated P1.02 billion in receipts, benefiting local businesses, workers, and community-based enterprises. The province’s approach aligns with the broader push for sustainable tourism development in the Philippines. The municipality of San Juan, known for its surfing industry, recorded the highest number of visitors at 184,762. It was followed by San Fernando City, with 134,181 arrivals, and Bauang, with 81,146. These areas continue to attract tourists due to their accessibility, established accommodations, and diverse tourism activities. Visitor arrivals peaked from March to May, driven by the summer season and school breaks. To spread tourism gains beyond major hubs, the provincial government is promoting emerging destinations such as the waterfalls of San Gabriel and Pugo, as well as cultural and heritage sites across inland towns. Tourists are also encouraged to explore local traditions, including the Abel weaving in Bangar and historical landmarks, such as the Baluarte Watch Tower in Luna. Officials said expanding tourism destinations helps distribute economic opportunities while reducing pressure on heavily visited areas. With its sustained growth, La Union is positioning itself as a model for inclusive and sustainable tourism development, supporting national efforts to strengthen the tourism sector while protecting natural and cultural resources. (AMB/CCMT, PIA La Union)