By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — Nueva Vizcaya Gov. Atty. Jose V. Gambito urged provincial government employees to sustain innovation, integrity and momentum in public service during the province’s first flag-raising ceremony and first working day of 2026, and reiterated that his primary aim is to improve the livelihoods of Novo Vizcayanos. “Let us continue innovating on how the government is run while we have the opportunity. We have to set a standard in governance that will guide the next leaders of our province,” Gambito told department heads and provincial employees gathered for the ceremony. “We must take advantage of this opportunity to leave a mark for our people to remember us in the future.” Fresh from a recent hospitalization, Gambito said the experience deepened his resolve: “I have no other aim but to improve the livelihood of our Novo Vizcayanos,” he added, vowing that his renewed commitment will drive the province’s programs and initiatives forward. Gambito thanked department heads and staff for the province’s ongoing progress, noting that successes stem not only from awards and recognitions but also from innovative programs introduced under his administration. “These programs are very responsive to the needs of our residents, making the provincial government very effective,” he said. “The credit is not mine — I hand it over to all of you, from top to bottom. All my gratitude. Be assured that your efforts will not remain unnoticed.” The governor urged employees to remain honest and steadfast despite resource constraints. “We have to be truthful to our work. We have to make a difference. Even if we lack resources, you are all resourceful, so we can always find remedies,” he said. He warned against losing the province’s forward momentum, adding, “We should not allow our enthusiasm to die down—let us keep pushing for continuous progress for our constituents.” The flag-raising ceremony was sponsored by the Philippine National Red Cross — Nueva Vizcaya Chapter (PNRC-NV). Randy Blanco, head of PNRC-NV, reported the chapter’s recent accomplishments, highlighting the “Dara ti Umili” program, which he said “does not only benefit Novo Vizcayanos but also residents of nearby provinces.” Blanco pledged continued coordination with the provincial government to extend services to vulnerable communities.  

Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines — A Regional Trial Court (RTC) in Nueva Vizcaya has denied a motion for inhibition filed by accused Florentino Daynos in a criminal case arising from the barricading of public roads linked to a mineral exploration project involving Woggle Corp. In its order, the court ruled that the motion failed to establish any legal or factual basis to warrant the inhibition of the presiding judge. Court records show that the case originated from incidents involving the unauthorized erection of barricades along public roads in Dupax del Norte, which authorities said obstructed the passage of vehicles and equipment. Law enforcement personnel intervened following reports that the barricades restricted access to public thoroughfares. Daynos, identified in the case as one of the individuals leading opposition activities against the project, was subsequently charged in connection with the incidents. In denying the motion, the RTC reiterated that judicial inhibition is not a matter of right and must be supported by clear and convincing evidence of bias, prejudice, or personal interest. The court stressed that mere allegations or disagreement with previous court actions do not meet the legal standard for disqualification. The RTC further cited established Supreme Court doctrine that judges are presumed to act with regularity and impartiality in the performance of their duties unless proven otherwise. Finding no showing of personal, pecuniary, or other disqualifying interest on the part of the presiding judge, the court ordered the proceedings to continue in the interest of the speedy disposition of cases. It also cautioned against the filing of motions that could unduly delay trial. For its part, Woggle Corp. said it respects the court’s ruling and reiterated its commitment to resolving the matter through due process and the orderly administration of justice. (PR)

The Governor’s Office of the Provincial Government of Nueva Vizcaya has issued an advisory requiring the mandatory wearing of facemasks inside its premises, effective Monday, December 22, 2025. The directive applies to all provincial government (PLGU) officials and employees assigned to the Governor’s Office, as well as all visitors and guests. The advisory, circulated to all PLGU officials and staff, instructs everyone entering the Governor’s Office to wear a facemask while inside the office premises.  

By Rachel Magday NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines –The provincial government of Nueva Vizcaya, led by Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito, was recognized for excellence in building community resilience by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and the Cagayan Valley Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CVDRRMC), chaired by OCD Regional Director Leon DG Rafael. The recognition cited the province’s service, commitment, sacrifice, and noteworthy accomplishments in strengthening disaster resilience amid the nation’s continuing disaster challenges. It also underscored Nueva Vizcaya’s efforts to enhance preparedness and risk-reduction initiatives aimed at protecting communities and improving response and recovery capacities during emergencies. The plaque of recognition was received by Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Robert Corpuz during the awarding ceremony held in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan. Gov Gambito expressed gratitude to the OCD and the regional DRRM council for the recognition, noting that the award reflects the collective work of the provincial government, local DRRM offices, responders, and community partners in advancing resilience across Nueva Vizcaya.

By Victor Martin   BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya – Inaprubahan na sa komite ng senior citizen sa kongreso ang substitute bill para sa pagbibigay ng pension sa lahat ng mga senior citizen sa bansa. Sa naganap na ika-apat na regular meeting ng Committee on Senior Citizen sa pangunguna ni Committee Chair Milagros Magsaysay, agad na inaprubahan ng mga kongresista ang substitute bill para sa pag-amyenda sa Republic Act 7432 (The Senior Citizens Act) nitong Martes. Ayon kay Nueva Vizcaya Congressman Tim Cayton, saklaw ng naaprubahan na bill ang House Bill 2691 (Universal Social Pension) na kanyang inihain para sa buwanang pension ng lahat na mga senior citizen na may edad 60 pataas, anuman ang katayuan sa buhay. “Ang House Bill na ating inihain ay para sa lahat ng Senior Citizen sa bansa, mayaman man o mahirap, may tinatanggap man sa SSS, GSIS, PVAO o anuman ang katayuan sa buhay, lahat ay kasama bata’t nasa edad 60 pataas,” pahayag ni Cayton. Pinasalamatan din ni Cayton ang mga kapwa mambabatas na naghain ng kahalintulad na panukala para lalong mapagtibay at mapabilis ang pag-apruba sa substitute bill. Matatandaan na ang Universal Social Pension ang kauna-unahang inihain ni Cayton na House Bill sa kanyang unang araw sa kongreso matapos maupo bilang mambabatas ng Nueva Vizcaya. Bilang dating Mayor ng Dupax del Norte ng 9 na taon ay itinatag ni Cayton ang localized social pension noong 2016 na nagbibigay ng buwanang pesnsion sa lahat ng mga senior citizen sa kanyang bayan. Dahil dito ay itinanghal si Cayton bilang Most Outstanding Mayor of the Philippines noong 2023 sa larangan ng social services.    

By Rachel Magday   Nueva Vizcaya Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito joined key political leaders from across Cagayan Valley in a meeting that rallied regional support for key infrastructure projects, including the proposed Cagayan Valley Super Highway and the Cagayan Valley River Basin projects. The meeting was led by Cagayan Governor Edgar Aglipay and House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” De Guzman Dy III, with the leaders pushing a unified agenda for a safer, more stable, and more progressive Cagayan Valley. Also present were Batanes Governor Ronald P. Aguto Jr., Isabela Governor Rodolfo T. Albano III, and Quirino Governor Dakila Carlo E. Cua. Joining them were Batanes Rep. Ciriaco B. Gato Jr., Cagayan 1st District Rep. Ramon C. Nolasco Sr., Cagayan 2nd District Rep. Baby Aline Vargas-Alfonso, Isabela 2nd District Rep. Ed Christopher S. Go, and Nueva Vizcaya Rep. Timothy Joseph E. Cayton. The gathering reinforced the region’s push to speak with “one voice” under Gov. Aglipay’s leadership as chairperson of the Regional Development Council (RDC) 02 and the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) 02, with the aim of speeding up decisions, strengthening security, and improving the delivery of government programs. During the meeting, One Cagayan Vision Team Head and Cagayan Third District Board Member Atty. Engelbert Caronan Jr. presented priority infrastructure initiatives in the region. Speaker Dy III said the projects can be realized if Cagayan Valley leaders remain united and work together, adding that the initiatives are expected to strengthen food and water security across the region. Gambito emphasized Nueva Vizcaya’s strategic role as the gateway to Cagayan Valley, saying improved road connectivity and water resource development would strengthen the movement of goods and people through the province and support the region’s farm output and investments. He said the projects are expected to cut travel time and transport costs, improve market access for agricultural products, and enhance the province’s position as a key entry point for trade and services going to and from the rest of Region 02.

By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — The Public Affairs and Information Assistance Division (PAIAD) of the provincial government of Nueva Vizcaya captured 2nd Place in the Huwarang Tanggapang Pang-Impormasyon (Provincial Category) at Gawad PAHAYAG 2025, hosted by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Region 02. The awarding ceremony was held in Tuguegarao City, on Dec.13. PIA Region 02 honored partner agencies and outstanding individuals at Gawad PAHAYAG 2025 in recognition of their honest service, sustained support, and significant contributions to disseminating critical information—particularly on government programs for disaster response and other public needs. The awards underscore the role of information services in strengthening public awareness and building more resilient communities across the Cagayan Valley region, serving as a model of effective public service and cooperation. The recognition for PAIAD highlights the division’s consistent, orderly, and transparent delivery of accurate and timely public information. Headed by Community Affairs Officer King Webster Balawing and working under Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito, PAIAD’s efforts contributed to improved public understanding of government initiatives and community preparedness. “Congratulations to PAIAD for this well‑deserved recognition,” said Governor Gambito. “Transparent, accurate, and timely public information is vital to good governance and community resilience. This award reaffirms our commitment to keep our people informed, engaged, and prepared.” Gawad PAHAYAG is the Philippine Information Agency’s annual program recognizing outstanding public information work across regional and provincial offices. It underscores the vital roles of transparency, civic engagement, and coordinated information dissemination—especially in times of crisis. PAIAD remains committed to upholding these standards as it continues to serve not only the province of Nueva Vizcaya but the entire Cagayan Valley.            

By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — The Provincial Government of Nueva Vizcaya and the Board of Investments (BOI) of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to strengthen partnership in promoting and facilitating investments and enhancing investor services across the province. The agreement, titled “Memorandum of Agreement on the Promotion and Facilitation of Investments and Investor Servicing,” was signed by Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito for the provincial government and Atty. Bobby G. Fondevilla, Executive Director of the Investment Assistance Center, BOI‑DTI, for the BOI. The signing was witnessed by Juditte Asuncion, Provincial Cooperative Affairs Officer, and Therese Sancho, Investment Specialist, Investment Assistance Center, BOI. Governor Gambito welcomed the MOA as a strategic milestone. “This partnership positions Nueva Vizcaya as an ideal investment destination. We offer a secure peace‑and‑order environment, a track record as a multi‑awarded province, and sustained economic growth. Our people — the Vizcayanos — are warm and hospitable, and that community spirit makes doing business here both productive and rewarding. With the BOI’s support, we will accelerate job creation, improve infrastructure, and ensure investments deliver tangible benefits to our communities.” Under the MOA, the provincial government and the BOI agreed to coordinate activities to attract new investors and support existing registered enterprises. Joint initiatives will include investment promotion seminars and missions, business‑matching events, and streamlined assistance for registration, permits, and licensing. To better market local opportunities, the provincial government will share new and updated local ordinances, an LGU investment and location profile, and a database of available lands and infrastructure. The BOI will provide promotional support, technical assistance to enhance local ease‑of‑doing‑business systems, and direct follow‑up on regulatory and registration matters. The agreement takes effect immediately and remains in force unless amended, revoked, or terminated. Next steps include developing a joint calendar of promotional activities, compiling the province’s investment profile, and operationalizing referral and follow‑up mechanisms for prospective and existing investors.  

ISABELA, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Isabela, in partnership with the provincial government, launched the first-ever “RISE UP Isabela: Reinforcing Inclusive Stakeholder Engagement for Unified Partnership” program on December 9, 2025 at the Capitol Amphitheater. The event brought together Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and community stakeholders to strengthen collaboration, transparency, and active participation in local governance. DILG Isabela Provincial Director Engr. Corazon D. Toribio highlighted the initiative as the first of its kind in the province, designed to empower CSOs to play an active role in local development. “It’s high time that all CSOs and partners know their responsibilities, what they can offer to the government, and how they can actively contribute to development in their municipalities, cities, and the province as a whole,” Toribio said. She urged CSOs to attend meetings regularly, validate government projects, and ensure accountability and transparency in local programs. Toribio also emphasized that third-party monitoring by CSOs ensures that no “ghost projects” exist in DILG initiatives. “You are essential partners of our country to ensure people-centered development”, she added. RISE UP Isabela seeks to equip CSOs with the knowledge and skills to become effective members of local special bodies, clarify their responsibilities and accountabilities, and foster equitable participation in decision-making. The program was divided into three modules: Local Development Council, led by EnP Maria Elena J. Sumisim; Local Health Board, presented by LGOO III Christi Anna F. Cielo and LGOO VII Karla Bernadette A. Rollan; and Local School Board, led by Mr. Romeo T. Fragata, Dr. Dante M. Aquino, and LGOO VII Cristina B. Somera. Sessions covered council operations, local health governance, and school board management, including oversight of special education funds. The initiative aligns with DILG MC No. 2025-060 Section 4.6, which provides guidelines on CSO accreditation and the reconstitution of Local Special Bodies (LSBs).