NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — The Provincial Government of Nueva Vizcaya, led by Gov. Atty. Jose V. Gambito, and the Provincial Agriculture Office headed by Provincial Agriculture Officer(PAO) Absalom Rizal D. Baysa, has received an Excellence Award for outstanding implementation of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Seed and Extension programs. The recognition cites the province’s strong partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and PhilRice and its success in meeting seed delivery and distribution targets that improved the competitiveness and incomes of rice farmers. The Excellence Award (Medium-Scale Category — Luzon) covers the 2024 wet season and the 2025 dry season. It was conferred on 29 August 2025 at the DA–PhilRice Central Experiment Station in Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, and was formally presented to the provincial leadership during the Monday flag-raising ceremony today at the Provincial Capitol. The award citation recognizes the province’s leadership and the Provincial Agriculture Office’s role in enabling LGUs to effectively roll out certified seed distribution and extension services. The award bears the signatures of RCEF Program Management Office Director Flordeliza H. Bordey and Executive Director John C. De Leon. “Agriculture is the top priority of my administration. I congratulate the Provincial Agriculture Office for this distinguished recognition — a clear indication that our programs are on the right path. We reaffirm the Provincial Government’s full and sustained support for the sector — from quality seeds and comprehensive farmer training to modern machinery and resilient infrastructure — so we can sustainably raise yields, increase farmers’ incomes, and strengthen rural livelihoods.” Following the recognition, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office No. 02 issued a Certificate of Allocation dated 13 September 2025, formally allocating PHP 70,262,665.65 to the Province of Nueva Vizcaya for the 2024–2025 cycle. The funds are earmarked for agricultural machinery and equipment, farm facilities, and infrastructure projects to boost productivity and support rice sector development across the Cagayan Valley. The certificate was signed by Regional Executive Director Rose Mary Aquino, Ph.D. PAO Baysa emphasized that both the award and the allocation reflect coordinated planning and effective implementation with the DA and PhilRice. He noted that the RCEF Seed and Extension initiatives—providing certified seeds, farmer training, and extension services—have contributed to higher yields and improved farm incomes in the province. The PHP 70.26 million allocation will finance an itemized package of interventions, including procurement of machinery and upgrades to farm facilities, subject to DA guidelines and procurement processes. The province will proceed with planning and implementation to ensure timely, transparent use of funds for the benefit of rice farmers throughout Nueva Vizcaya.    

By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, PHILIPPINES — The League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) Nueva Vizcaya chapter unanimously approved a resolution endorsing the chapter’s membership in the Mayors for Good Governance (M4GG) movement during its second regular meeting, presided by Bambang Mayor Benjamin LL Cuaresma III, LMP–Nueva Vizcaya Chapter president. The resolution has been submitted to the office of Baguio City Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong and bears a received stamp. The resolution affirms the collective intent of all 15 municipal mayors of Nueva Vizcaya to join M4GG, a coalition formed in 2023 that promotes anti-corruption, transparency and people-centered local governance. Convenors of the movement include Mayors Benjie Magalong of Baguio, Vico Sotto of Pasig, Joy Belmonte of Quezon City and Sitti Hataman of Isabela City, Basilan. Other notable members include former Vice President Leni Robredo,now mayor of Naga City. All municipal chief executives attended the meeting: Alfonso Castañeda, Aritao, Ambaguio, Bagabag, Bambang, Bayombong, Diadi, Dupax del Norte, Dupax del Sur, Kayapa, Kasibu, Quezon, Sta. Fe, Solano and Villaverde. The resolution frames M4GG as a platform to strengthen integrity, transparency, efficiency and citizen participation in local government and specifies that membership is for duly elected incumbent mayors committed to prioritizing public welfare over politics. To operationalize the endorsement, the chapter adopted implementation measures aligned with M4GG participation, including designating a chapter focal person, forming a technical working group, establishing baseline performance measures within the prescribed timeframe, submitting periodic progress reports, and convening peer-learning sessions. LMP Nueva Vizcaya said the move aligns the province’s local governance agenda with national reform priorities—transparency, streamlined public services, fiscal accountability and disaster resilience and signals a renewed effort to institutionalize good governance practices across Nueva Vizcaya’s municipalities.                  

By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — Nueva Vizcaya Congressman Atty. Timothy Joseph E. Cayton has asked the Department of Transportation(DOTr) to fund the rehabilitation and reactivation of Bagabag Airport, advancing the provincial government’s push to make the facility operational again. Rep. Cayton raised Gov. Atty. Jose V. Gambito’s plan with Transportation Secretary Giovanni Z. Lopez during congressional budget deliberations on the department’s proposed spending. Cayton said reopening the airport would ease access for residents of Nueva Vizcaya and nearby provinces and help drive tourism in the province. “As a landlocked province, the primary way to reach Nueva Vizcaya and to go elsewhere is by land, which can be a lengthy trip. Opening Bagabag Airport will provide faster, more convenient access for our residents, domestic and foreign tourists, and visitors from adjacent provinces,” Cayton said. “I thank Congressman Cayton for raising this important issue at the national level, and I am heartened to see more stakeholders working together toward the reopening of Bagabag Airport,” Gov. Gambito said. “Reactivating the airport will catalyze economic activity across the region and significantly boost tourism not only here in Nueva Vizcaya but also in neighboring provinces such as Quirino and Ifugao, making it easier for both local and international visitors to reach major attractions like the Banaue Rice Terraces.” Sec. Lopez said he would direct the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) to conduct an ocular inspection of Bagabag Airport to assess its current condition and requirements for reactivation. He added that a feasibility study would be carried out and that funds would be earmarked in the 2026 budget for the airport’s rehabilitation. The initiative has drawn support from provincial leaders in recent months. Former Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) chair and former Department of Transportation and Communications(DOTC) undersecretary Gen. Thompson C. Lantion earlier coordinated with Gambito’s office on efforts to reopen the facility. He previously inspected Bagabag Airport with Bagabag Mayor Benigno Calauad. Reopening Bagabag Airport is among the priorities Gambito outlined in his inaugural address, framing the project as a catalyst for inter-regional tourism and broader economic activity in Nueva Vizcaya.

CAGAYAN, Philippines — Nanawagan ang Department of Agriculture-Regional Crop Protection Center (RCPC) sa mga magsasaka sa Rehiyon Dos na magkaroon ng agarang aksiyon laban sa Brown Plant hopper o mas kilala sa tawag na ’ulmog’. Sa pinakahuling datos ng RCPC, umabot na sa mahigit 200 ektarya ng palayan sa Cagayan Valley ang apektado ng nasabing peste. Ayon sa ahensiya, kapag hindi naagapan nagdudulot ito ng hopper burn o pagkasunog ng palay na karaniwang may kasamang sooty molds. Ayon sa pananaliksik ng mga eksperto, ang ulmog ay karaniwang lumalabas tuwing panahon ng pamumulaklak hanggang pamumuo ng butil ng palay dahil doon sila sumisipsip ng katas na nagdudulot ng pagkakaroon ng “empty grains”. Mas aktibo rin umano ang mga ito tuwing mainit ang panahon, subali’t hindi ibig sabihin na ligtas na ang palay kapag tag-ulan dahil maaari pa rin silang umatake lalo na kung humupa na ang ulan o may mga bahaging tuyo sa bukid. Bilang tugon, pinayuhan ang mga magsasaka na regular na inspeksyunin ang kanilang taniman, hawiin ang mga suwi ng palay, at magsagawa ng spraying kung may presensiya ng hindi bababa sa limang ‘ulmog’ kada tangkay. Inirekomenda rin ng RCPC ang paggamit ng mga biocontrol agents gaya ng Metarhizium, Isaria, at Beauveria bilang follow-up spray upang mapigil ang patuloy na pagdami ng peste. Samantala, hinikayat naman ang lahat ng magsasaka na makipag-ugnayan lamang sa kanilang City Agricultural Office (CAO) o Municipal Agricultural Office (MAO) para sa dagdag na gabay at tulong laban sa ulmog. (Jovy Andres)  

CAGAYAN, Philippines — Muling nanawagan ang Provincial Health Office (PHO) ng Cagayan para sa mahigpit na pagpapatupad ng 5S strategy laban sa dengue matapos sumirit sa 2,367 ang naitalang kaso sa lalawigan mula Enero hanggang Agosto 27, 2025. Batay sa datos ng PHO, ang bayan ng Baggao ang may pinakamaraming kaso na umabot sa 325, sinundan ng Solana na may 236, at Aparri na may 163. Sa Tuguegarao City, bahagyang tumaas ang kaso sa 144, nguni’t nananatiling kontrolado ayon sa PHO dahil sa pagpapatupad ng mga kaukulang hakbang. Paliwanag ng PHO, ang tag-ulan at ang kakulangan sa regular na pagpapatupad ng 4 o’clock habit o clean-up drive ang pangunahing dahilan ng pagtaas ng kaso. Sa isinagawang monitoring ng PHO, ilang barangay ang natukoy na may mga breeding site ng lamok. Dahil dito, muling ipinaalala ng PHO sa mga Cagayano ang kahalagahan ng 5S strategy: Search and destroy – tuklasin at alisin ang mga lugar na posibleng pamugaran ng lamok. Self-protection – gumamit ng proteksyon laban sa kagat ng lamok. Seek early consultation – agad na magpakonsulta sa doktor kung may sintomas ng dengue. Support fogging and spraying – makiisa sa isinasagawang fogging at spraying sa mga lugar na mataas ang kaso. Sustain hydration – panatilihing hydrated ang katawan upang maiwasan ang dehydration dulot ng sakit. Nanawagan din ang PHO sa lahat ng barangay officials na mas paigtingin ang community clean-up drive upang mapigil ang lalo pang pagdami ng kaso. (JOVY ANDRES)      

By Rachel Magday   BAMBANG, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines — Five employees of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) Region 2 were arrested in an entrapment operation after allegedly accepting P40,000 in marked money in exchange for “unhampered operations” and the release of an impounded vehicle, on September 1. The joint operation by the Bambang Police Station, the Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Intelligence Unit and the Provincial Intelligence Team–Nueva Vizcaya, in coordination with DOTR–CAR and led by PMaj. Randy R. Velarde, took place at about 6 p.m. in front of the Baldovi Terminal Compound on Sulucan Street, Purok 1, Barangay Banggot, Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya. Police said the operation followed walk-in complaints filed at the Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Police Office, in which motorists alleged the suspects demanded P200,000 for the release of an impounded van or P25,000 as an outright settlement. After an initial transaction, the complainants said the group later agreed to collect P1,000 per unit and P2,000 per green-plate van as a monthly payoff in exchange for unhampered operations. Investigators prepared P40,000 in marked money—P6,000 in genuine bills and P34,000 in “boodle” or facsimile money—and set a meet-up at the location, police said. The suspects arrived aboard an LTO-issued Nissan Navara (plate SAA 9655). After the marked cash was handed over, operatives gave the prearranged signal and arrested the five “in flagrante delicto,” or caught red handed alleging violations of Republic Act 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act) and RA 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees). A search incidental to arrest, conducted in the presence of mandatory witnesses, yielded firearms, cash, mobile phones, IDs and other items, police said. Among the pieces of evidence logged: Two magazines, citation tickets, a driver’s license with photocopy of official receipt, a pouch with two cellphones, cash and IDs One caliber .45 pistol loaded with a magazine and seven live rounds, a wallet with IDs, and cash Cash in various denominations, two cellphones, and a wallet with IDs One touchscreen cellphone One caliber .45 pistol with magazine and five live rounds; one Glock 29 (9mm) pistol with three magazines and 21 live rounds; a sling bag with IDs, receipts, a wallet and cash; six genuine P1,000 bills ;34 pieces of boodle money; one plastic sachet containing suspected shabu weighing about 0.69 gram with an estimated value of P4,692; two pipe tubes; two disposable lighters; one inside holster; and one LTO badge. Other items listed as recovered included a sling bag with a wallet and P16,000 cash; a belt bag with P31,500 cash; a green bag with P20,300 cash; and four touchscreen cellphones. The suspects were brought to the Bambang Police Station for disposition and documentation. Police said appropriate complaints for alleged violations of RA 3019 and RA 6713 will be prepared, with other possible charges to be determined based on the seized firearms and the suspected illegal drugs pending verification and examination. Authorities said the operation is part of the Philippine National Police’s intensified anti-criminality drive under Enhanced Managing Police Operations and the PNP chief’s 7-point agenda. All five suspects remain presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

Gatchalian inaugurates 8 KALAHI-CIDSS projects By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian committed expanded assistance to the province of Nueva Vizcaya, announcing additional funds for crisis support, livelihood programs and prepositioned relief during a meeting with provincial and municipal officials held at the lobby of the Carlos M. Padilla Convention Center, on August 28.   “ The farther you are, the smaller the province is, the more that you need the national government,” Gatchalian said, adding he understands the needs of remote provinces and upland towns, having served as a local chief executive for nine years. Gatchalian said the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will release additional funding for the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program. The funds, he said, will be downloaded directly to the provincial government for allocation to Nueva Vizcaya’s municipalities under Gov. Atty. Jose V. Gambito’s oversight. He added that DSWD will also extend support to the province’s congressional district through Rep. Atty.Timothy Joseph E. Cayton. The secretary said the agency will earmark more resources for the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) in the province. He urged the provincial government to provide a warehouse that DSWD would stock with relief goods for rapid deployment during disasters. Gatchalian thanked the provincial government for providing a provincial office for DSWD Nueva Vizcaya, and he lauded the turnout of local leaders at the meeting. “Very rare that the three main characters in public service are all together,” he said, referring to the presence of the congressman, governor and vice governor. Majority of the board members and mayors were also in attendance. Gov. Gambito and Cong. Cayton both expressed gratitude to the DSWD for its continuing assistance to the province. The support, according to them is a huge help to Nueva Vizcaya residents especially those in remote upland and disaster-prone areas and the additional AICS and SLP funds, along with prepositioned relief goods, will help families meet urgent needs, sustain livelihoods and recover more quickly after calamities. Earlier in the day, Gatchalian led the inauguration of eight projects under the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan–Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) in Barangay Tiblac, Ambaguio. KALAHI-CIDSS is a national poverty-alleviation program that uses a community-driven development approach, empowering communities to identify, manage and implement projects that address their most pressing needs. The secretary also met with beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and with municipal links implementing the program at the local level. In Bambang town, he oversaw an SLP payout to 156 beneficiaries amounting to P3 million. AICS provides financial support to individuals and families facing crises such as illness, death in the family or emergencies, while SLP funds microenterprise and employment interventions for poor households.

By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito met with officials of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) on August 28, to align ongoing and upcoming programs that support the reintegration of former rebels and strengthen peacebuilding efforts in the province. Discussions focused on an upcoming partnership between the provincial government and OPAPRU covering infrastructure projects—particularly road improvement in former insurgency-affected areas—and scholarship programs for the children of former rebels. Gov. Gambito also committed provincial support for a national trade fair in Metro Manila that will feature products from former rebel associations across the country, with Nueva Vizcaya’s associations set to participate. The OPAPRU delegation was led by BGen. Ramon C. Yogyog (Ret.), Regional Adviser on Peace and Security for Region II, with Mr. Jerome A. Padilla, Area Manager of the Area Management Unit–Northern Luzon; Mr. Adenis B. Bringas, ARCA Coordinator; Mr. Alex Berigundo, Head of the Local Amnesty Board; Mr. Redgie A. Gallardo, Area Coordinator for Northern Luzon; and Ms. Lamie K. Sagulo, Administrative Officer. Also present were DILG Provincial Director Catherine Alam Miranda, PSWD representative Jane Pumaras, SWAD–Nueva Vizcaya Team Leader Fernando Bainto, Provincial Warden Carmelo Andrada, and PPDO Head Engr. Edgardo Sabado. Both sides reviewed existing reintegration and community-support initiatives and identified areas for tighter coordination to accelerate delivery of services to returnees and their families. Many former rebels have already received livelihood assistance from the national government, continued monitoring is needed to ensure these resources are properly used to rebuild and improve beneficiaries’ livelihoods as they return to mainstream society. The planned infrastructure investments aim to improve access to markets, social services, and livelihood opportunities in communities transitioning from conflict, while the scholarship component seeks to expand educational opportunities for qualified beneficiaries. OPAPRU, the Philippine government agency responsible for managing and implementing the comprehensive peace process, said the collaboration with the provincial government is intended to foster reconciliation and unity while sustaining gains in local peace and security.        

NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — Nueva Vizcaya Rep. Timothy Joseph E. Cayton has filed House Bill No. 3715 to give financial aid to underprivileged graduates who will take professional licensure and Bar exams, saying success should depend on merit, not money. Called the Financial Assistance for Future Professionals Act, the bill would provide a one-time P10,000 review grant and an exam fee subsidy to qualified first-time takers of the Professional Regulation Commission’s board exams and the Bar examination. The aid targets Filipino graduates who are academically qualified but lack funds. Cong. Cayton said the proposal aims to level the playing field for aspiring professionals and help the country produce more teachers, nurses, engineers, lawyers and other licensed practitioners. He added that broadening the nation’s pool of professionals would strengthen the workforce and contribute to overall development. HB 3715 will be referred to the appropriate House committees for hearings. Details on eligibility, implementation and funding will be set during the committee process. (Rachel Magday)