By Rachel Magday BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines – The provincial government has awarded a total of P560,000 to 39 elderly residents who have been living in Nueva Vizcaya for their unwavering contributions to their families and communities. The awards were presented in a ceremony at the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) Function Hall in the Capitol Compound here, led by PSWD Officer Flordelina C. Granada, on August 14. The 36 nonagenarians mark the eighth batch of beneficiaries under the province’s Nonagenarian Ordinance, along with a centenarian and two recipients of the Enduring Devotion Award. Each of the 36 nonagenarians, aged 90 to 99, received a ₱10,000 cash incentive. The centenarian received ₱100,000 under the Centenarian Ordinance, while the two recipients of the Enduring Devotion Award received ₱50,000 each under the Enduring Devotion Ordinance. Vice Governor Eufemia Ang Dacayo and Board Members Eunice Galima Gambol, LC Cuaresma and Emerlene Jane Galanta Martinez attended the ceremony honoring the awardees. Gov. Jose V. Gambito said the cash incentives represent more than just financial assistance, describing them as a tribute to senior citizens whose lives, sacrifices and contributions have helped shape their families and communities. “These awards are more than just financial assistance. They are a tribute to the lives, sacrifices and contributions of our senior citizens, whose wisdom and resilience continue to inspire the people of Nueva Vizcaya,” Gambito said. Gambito added that the provincial government will continue to strengthen programs that promote the well-being, dignity, and active participation of senior citizens, while recognizing their years of sacrifice and service.

By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — A two-story rehabilitation center for persons with disabilities (PWDs) will soon be constructed in this province, with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) set to begin the P10-million project funded under the 2025 General Appropriations Act. Venus R. Cadabona, head of the Provincial Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO), said the project was cleared for implementation after the Provincial Government thru Provincial Administrator’s Office approved its program of works. The project secured funding following a request from Gov. Jose V. Gambito and PDAO head,Ms Cadabona to the DPWH for the construction of a dedicated facility that will provide rehabilitation, training and support services to persons with disabilities in the province. The two-story building will be constructed beside the Pasalubong Center in Barangay Magdaysay, Bayombong. It will house therapy rooms, training rooms, a children’s play area and administrative offices designed to accommodate individuals with various disabilities. The provincial PDAO will also hold office in the new facility. Based on information from the DPWH, the project is expected to be completed within 115 calendar days. Cadabona said the project is more than an infrastructure initiative, describing it as a step toward creating a more inclusive community in line with the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. “This project goes beyond just building a structure; it aims to create an inclusive environment,” Cadabona said. “By offering a dedicated space for the rehabilitation and empowerment of PWDs, we are taking a crucial step toward inclusivity and ensuring everyone has the chance to thrive.” Gambito highlighted the importance of ensuring that persons with disabilities have access to essential services and equal opportunities to participate fully in society. “Every person, regardless of ability, deserves the opportunity to lead a fulfilling life,” the governor said. “This rehabilitation center will not only provide essential services but also serve as a source of hope and empowerment for our PWD community.” He reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to breaking down barriers, promoting inclusivity and creating a future in which persons with disabilities can fully participate in community life.

More than three million Filipino workers could receive additional tax relief under a bill filed in the House of Representatives that seeks to raise the annual tax-exempt income threshold from ₱250,000 to ₱350,000, allowing qualified employees to keep a larger share of their earnings amid rising living costs. Nueva Vizcaya Rep. Timothy Joseph E. Cayton filed House Bill No. 10517, which proposes a higher personal income tax exemption in support of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s call during his recent State of the Nation Address to ease the tax burden on Filipino workers. The measure would exempt individuals earning up to ₱350,000 annually from paying personal income tax, replacing the current ₱250,000 threshold. It also seeks to increase the tax-exempt ceiling for 13th-month pay and other employee benefits from ₱90,000 to ₱120,000. To ensure that tax relief keeps pace with inflation, the bill proposes the automatic adjustment of income tax brackets every three years starting in 2030. It also provides for lower tax rates and other relief measures for qualified taxpayers. “This measure seeks to provide big relief to Filipino workers by allowing them to keep more of their hard-earned income. As the cost of living continues to rise, our tax system must also respond to the changing economic realities faced by working families,” Cayton said. Cayton said the proposed adjustments could benefit an estimated 3.13 million workers, and about 1.2 million taxpayers could be removed from the personal income tax rolls if the bill is enacted. As a House bill, Cayton’s proposal must undergo committee deliberations, win approval in the House plenary, and obtain Senate concurrence before it can be transmitted to the President for signature. By Rachel Magday

By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — OceanaGold (Philippines), Inc. (OGP) has earmarked P768.43 million for the eventual closure and rehabilitation of its Didipio Mine, with P551.4 million already secured in a government-mandated trust fund as of 2026, underscoring the company’s long-term commitment to responsible mining and environmental restoration even as operations continue. The rehabilitation fund will continue to increase through the company’s required annual contributions under its mine closure program, ensuring sufficient financial resources are available to restore the site once mining operations end. “Responsible mining means planning for rehabilitation throughout the life of the mine and closure long before operations eventually conclude,” said OGP President and General Manager for External Affairs and Social Performance Joan D. Adaci-Cattiling. “By progressively rehabilitating our operating areas and steadily building the rehabilitation fund while operations continue, we are ensuring the resources, systems and plans are in place to support a safe, responsible and sustainable transition beyond mining,” she added. The company said the Didipio Mine occupies a relatively compact operational footprint of about 340 hectares within its 975-hectare approved mining permit area. Of the active mining area, around 100 hectares have been identified for progressive rehabilitation while the mine remains operational. By the end of 2025, more than 55 hectares had already been rehabilitated, with the remaining areas scheduled for restoration in phases throughout the life of the mine. Upon the completion of mining operations, approximately 221 hectares are expected to undergo final rehabilitation. Another 58 hectares, including the open pit and selected mine camp facilities, have been earmarked for potential post-mining community uses instead of conventional revegetation. Earlier consultations with host communities identified several possible future uses for these areas, including agriculture, forestry, a freshwater lake and an enterprise tourism development zone. OGP emphasized that these proposals remain subject to detailed technical studies to determine their safety, suitability and long-term sustainability before implementation. The company’s Final Mine Rehabilitation and Decommissioning Plan (FMRDP) is reviewed and updated every two years to incorporate rehabilitation accomplishments, revisions to the mine plan, new technical findings, stakeholder feedback and government requirements. The next review is scheduled for the third quarter of 2026. “We have been part of the Didipio community for 20 years, building enduring partnerships founded on mutual respect and shared progress,” Adaci-Cattiling said. “As our operations continue in the years to come, we are already investing in rehabilitation and closure planning to help ensure positive and sustainable outcomes for the environment and our host communities well into the future,” she added. OGP said the FMRDP will continue to be refined as engineering designs for mine closure advance and post-mining land-use studies become more comprehensive.  

Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) Head Venus Ruam Cadabona, of the provincial government of Nueva Vizcaya, received the prestigious Apolinario Mabini Filipino with Disability Award during the 31st Apolinario Mabini Awards held Monday,August 3, at the Romualdez Hall of the House of Representatives. The award, conferred by the Philippine Foundation for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled Inc. (PFRD), recognizes Cadabona’s exemplary leadership and sustained advocacy for the rights, empowerment and inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs). PFRD, led by its president Edgardio F. Garcia, cited Cadabona as a resilient woman with a disability, an effective leader and a dedicated public servant whose work has advanced disability-inclusive governance in Nueva Vizcaya. She was recognized for spearheading the establishment of the provincial Persons with Disability Affairs Office and for strengthening the participation and empowerment of PWDs in the province. Cadabona received the award together with her daughter,Khristine Diane and Vice Gov. Eufemia Ang Dacayo, who attended the ceremony as the representative of Gov. Jose V. Gambito. “I am deeply grateful to the PFRD for this meaningful recognition. I share this award with all persons with disabilities in Nueva Vizcaya and with everyone who continues to support our advocacy,” Cadabona said. She also expressed her appreciation to Gov. Gambito for his support of the programs and initiatives implemented by the PDAO. “I also sincerely thank Gov. Gambito for his continued support for the programs and initiatives of our office. With his support, we were able to implement these programs effectively. This recognition inspires us to continue working toward a more inclusive and empowered community for persons with disabilities,” she added. Governor Gambito congratulated Cadabona, describing her recognition as a testament to her dedication and perseverance. “Congratulations to Ms. Cadabona on this well-deserved honor. Her courage, leadership and unwavering service prove that disability is not a hindrance to excellence and meaningful public service. She is a true inspiration to all of us,” Gambito said. The Apolinario Mabini Awards honor individuals, organizations and institutions that have made significant contributions to advancing the welfare, empowerment and inclusion of persons with disabilities while promoting them as self-reliant and productive members of society. Cadabona was one of 17 finalists selected from approximately 300 nominations submitted nationwide and the sole qualifier for the Apolinario Mabini Filipino with Disability Award representing Nueva Vizcaya. The entries were evaluated by the Apolinario Mabini Awards Committee, chaired by MaryAnn Arcega Dy, the wife of House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy, who served as guest speaker during the ceremony. Named after Apolinario Mabini—the revolutionary leader known as the “Sublime Paralytic”—the awards recognize individuals and institutions that embody his legacy of courage, patriotism and service despite disability. This year’s awards covered seven categories: Organizations of Persons with Disability, Empowerment of Persons with Disability, Manuel V. Agcaoili Award for Employers, Disability-Friendly Establishment, Local Government Unit, Filipino with Disability, and the Apolinario Mabini Lifetime Achievement Award. By Rachel Magday

Nueva Vizcaya Rep. Joseph Timothy E. Cayton has vowed to fulfill his new responsibilities with dedication after being appointed assistant majority leader of the House of Representatives in the 20th Congress. Cayton thanked House leaders and his colleagues for the trust placed in him, acknowledging that the position carries significant responsibilities. “I am honored and humbled by the trust given to me,” Cayton said. He said, he would perform his duties with dedication, working closely with Majority Leader Zandro A. Marcos and the broader House leadership to advance the legislative agenda and ensure the efficient and orderly conduct of plenary proceedings. As assistant majority leader, Cayton is expected to help manage floor sessions, facilitate debates, assist in the referral of bills and resolutions to the appropriate committees, and help maintain order during the consideration of priority measures and the national budget. He will also assist in coordinating members of the majority bloc and support efforts to secure the smooth passage of priority legislation. Cayton said he understood the weight of his new assignment and would carry it out with humility and dedication. He likewise vowed not to disappoint the people who placed their confidence in him, especially the Novo Vizcayanos whom he represents in Congress. “This is a great responsibility, and I will perform it with all my heart. I will do my best to honor the trust given to me and to serve not only the House but also the people of Nueva Vizcaya,” Cayton said. His appointment places him in a key position in the House leadership as the chamber begins work on the legislative priorities of the 20th Congress. By Rachel Magday

By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — Nueva Vizcaya is set to transform its World War II battlefields and historic landmarks into a heritage tourism circuit as the provincial government moves to establish “Liberation Trails” that will preserve the province’s wartime legacy while creating new economic opportunities for local communities. The initiative took shape following a meeting between Governor Jose V. Gambito, Provincial Tourism Officer Marichelle O. Costales and Erwin Tiongson, a Solano native based in the United States who serves as director of the Global Human Development Program at Georgetown University. The proposed Liberation Trails will feature guided tours of significant historical and World War II sites across the province, targeting travelers with an interest in Philippine history, military heritage, and cultural tourism. Tiongson first presented the proposal to the Provincial Tourism and Culture Office during one of his “balikbayan” visits to Nueva Vizcaya. He also facilitated the provincial government’s engagement with leading Filipino historians, including Dr. Ricardo Jose, professor emeritus at the University of the Philippines Diliman and one of the country’s foremost authorities on World War II in the Philippines and Asia. Jose underscored Nueva Vizcaya’s strategic importance during the Second World War, describing the province as one of the country’s most significant battlefield areas. According to Costales, the planned tourism circuit will highlight key wartime sites, including Balete Pass in the municipality of Santa Fe and Kirang Pass in Aritao. Kirang Pass is home to a Japanese war shrine, commonly known as the Kirang Pass Monument, which was built in 1978 by Japan’s Rokusankai Society. These and other historically significant sites will be documented and incorporated into the heritage trail. Gambito welcomed the initiative, saying scholarly research will help the provincial government strengthen heritage conservation while promoting responsible tourism. “Historical data can guide us in preserving these places while developing tourism that benefits local communities,” the governor said. The proposal is expected to gain further momentum during the upcoming Nueva Vizcaya Historical Congress, which is co-organized by the provincial government and the Nueva Vizcaya Historical Society. Jose is scheduled todeliver the keynote address at the event. Beyond heritage preservation, the Liberation Trails project is also envisioned to generate livelihood and business opportunities for residents through community-based tourism initiatives. As part of the effort, Tiongson introduced local historian Desiree Benipayo, who organizes historical tours, to the Provincial Tourism Office. Benipayo, together with other local historians, has expressed willingness to work with the provincial government in developing memorial and heritage tours for the growing special-interest tourism market. Also present during the meeting were Board Member Eunice Galima Gambol, chair of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Tourism; former Provincial Administrator Virgilio A. Tiongson; and officials of the Nueva Vizcaya Chamber of Commerce led by Magtanggol Maniquis. Once established, Gambito said, the Liberation Trails are expected to connect major historical sites across Nueva Vizcaya’s municipalities, strengthen the preservation of the province’s wartime heritage, and position Nueva Vizcaya as a premier destination for World War II and heritage tourism in the Philippines.

NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — OceanaGold Philippines once again held a meaningful community appreciation event to delight 59 youth from Barangays Beti and Cutar, in Aritao town, Nueva Vizcaya, recently. The activity was in recognition of the company’s celebration of Nutrition Month in collaboration with the Local Government Unit of Aritao, Nueva Vizcaya Lions Club, Rio de Magat Grande Lions Club, Singian Solano Lions Club, and Baguio Gold Lions Club. The activity was filled with games, prizes, and giveaways for the children, along with free eye consultations, eyeglass frames, and medical consultations for parents and guardians. The activity was made meaningful by the support of Mayor Remelina Peros Galam and Vice Mayor Jayson E. Ferrer, who stayed throughout the event in support of the initiative. They commended the collaboration between OceanaGold, the Lions Clubs, and the Local Government Unit and expressed their hope for a more sustainable partnership that will continue to support the development of the community in Aritao. The Local Government Unit of Aritao provided free eyeglass frames and medical consultations, while the Lions Clubs provided eye consultations for parents and guardians, as well as hygiene kits and vitamins for school children. After the activities, everyone shared a healthy and balanced meal with the children and their guardians. OceanaGold Philippines expressed its sincere gratitude to Punuong Barangay Manuel C. Dela Cruz, of Barangay Beti, for the warm welcome and its community partners. Through strong partnerships, OceanaGold remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote health, well-being, and meaningful participation in the community.        

By Rachel Magday   Nueva Vizcaya Gov. Jose V. Gambito received two Patient Transport Vehicles (PTVs) from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) during a turnover ceremony led by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on July 24, 2026, at the Pampanga Provincial Capitol in San Fernando City. The vehicles will be added to the equipment of the provincial government to strengthen the delivery of healthcare services in the province, particularly the transport of patients requiring immediate medical attention. Gambito said the two PTVs would provide significant assistance to Novo Vizcayanos, especially patients from remote areas who need safe and timely transportation to hospitals and other medical facilities. “These two Patient Transport Vehicles will be a significant help to our fellow Novo Vizcayanos, particularly patients who require immediate medical attention and safe transportation to healthcare facilities. This support will help improve our province’s capacity to respond to medical emergencies and ensure that patients receive the care they need without delay,” Gambito said. The governor also thanked Marcos and the PCSO for their continued support of local government units through programs focused on healthcare and other public services. During the ceremony, Marcos highlighted the 100-percent nationwide completion of the PCSO’s PTV Program following the distribution of 1,830 vehicles to cities, municipalities and provinces across the country. He said the program is part of the government’s efforts to expand access to fast, safe and reliable healthcare services so that more Filipinos can receive immediate medical attention when needed. Marcos also expressed the government’s goal of providing fire trucks to all local government units nationwide.