By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines –The provincial government’s Environmental Awareness and Education Month celebration culminated in an awarding ceremony led by the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENARO) at the Carlos M. Padilla Convention Center on December 4,2025. This year’s observance carried the theme “Kalikasan ay Buhay, Ating Mahalin, Hamon ng Klima Sama-samang Harapin”. 𝐄𝐜𝐨-𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐲 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐲 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 In the Search for “Makakalikasang Barangay,” Barangay Malabing of Kasibu was declared champion in the upland category and received a cash prize of ₱50,000. Barangay Canabuan in Aritao placed first runner-up with ₱40,000, while Barangay Busilac in Bayombong took third place and received ₱30,000. In the lowland category, Barangay Poblacion of Villaverde was named champion and awarded ₱50,000. Barangay Poblacion of Kasibu placed first runner-up, and Barangay Gabut of Dupax del Sur was second runner-up, receiving ₱40,000 and ₱30,000 respectively. 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥-𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐄𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐝 For the “Pasiklaban sa Proyektong Makalikasan” competition, which featured various secondary schools across the province, Dippog National High School of Quezon took first place for its “Project MRF-Care” (Materials Recovery Facility for Campus Action and Responsible Ecology) and received ₱30,000. Sta. Fe National High School placed second with its “Plasti-Bric: Converting Plastic Waste into Sustainable Construction Eco-Brix” project and received ₱20,000. Bintawan National High School secured third place and a ₱10,000 prize for its “Plastic KaBag” or Plastic Litter Alleviation Through Sustainable Thermo-forming and Innovation for Climate Action: Kalingang Bag Against Waste. 𝐒𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐰𝐢𝐭 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐚 𝐬𝐚 𝐊𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐚𝐬𝐚𝐧 In the “Sayawit para sa Kalikasan” competition, Nueva Vizcaya General Comprehensive High School (NVGCHS) emerged champion and received a ₱30,000 cash prize. Muirwoods Academy Inc. placed first runner-up with a ₱20,000 prize, while Bagabag National High School finished as second runner-up and received ₱10,000. Consolation prize winners in all three competitions each received ₱5,000. 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡-𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 According to Acting Environment and Natural Resources( ENR) Officer Forester Arlene S. Tarranco, the month-long celebration also included synchronized tree planting activities, a “pulot basura” clean-up drive, and an environmental symposium on climate change. Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito, in his message during the program, urged united action in the face of the climate crisis. “Let us face the climate change with unity, courage and hope. When we act together, small steps become powerful solutions. Protecting nature is protecting life itself,” Gambito said.

By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — The entire province of Nueva Vizcaya has been placed under a state of calamity following the widespread devastation caused by Super Typhoon “Uwan” (international name: Fung‑Wong), which left more than P3 billion worth of damage to agriculture and infrastructure across the province. In Resolution No. 2025‑5998, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan formally declared the state of calamity, enabling the provincial and municipal local governments to hasten emergency response, recovery, and rehabilitation efforts. The measure, sponsored by Hon. Eunice Galima‑Gambol, was unanimously approved by the Provincial Board. It cites as legal bases the recommendation of the Nueva Vizcaya Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Memorandum Order No. 60 and Presidential Proclamation No. 1077 , which placed the entire country under a national state of calamity. Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito welcomed the declaration and underscored its importance despite the existing nationwide state of calamity. “While the entire country is already under a national state of calamity, it is still necessary for Nueva Vizcaya to be placed under a provincial state of calamity,” Governor Gambito explained. “A local declaration gives us the legal basis to fully utilize our provincial and municipal calamity funds, implement price controls, and fast‑track rehabilitation projects specifically tailored to the needs of our communities.” He also expressed his gratitude to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for its swift action. “I sincerely thank our Sangguniang Panlalawigan for acting promptly on this urgent situation,” the governor said. “This declaration is crucial to fast‑track rehabilitation projects and support long‑term recovery across the province.” Under the declaration, provincial and municipal governments can speed up recovery and repair efforts, use the Quick Response Fund and other standby funds, ask for additional assistance from national agencies and nearby provinces and towns, and enforce price controls to keep the prices of basic goods and services stable in affected areas. The Provincial Board said the move is intended to sustain relief efforts already undertaken, stabilize essential services, and support medium- and long-term rehabilitation across all affected communities in Nueva Vizcaya.  

  Showcases Province as ‘Heart of Farm Tourism in the North’ By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines – The provincial government of Nueva Vizcaya led by Gov Atty Jose V Gambito will hold the 2025 Agritourism Festival on December 5–7 at Solano Heroes Park in Solano, through the Provincial Tourism and Culture Office in partnership with the Nueva Vizcaya Farm Tourism Stakeholders Association (NVFTSA). Provincial Tourism Officer Marichelle O. Costales said the festival will showcase agritourism exhibits and learning sessions, fresh farm products and local delicacies, as well as creative booths featuring local entrepreneurs and their “Made in Vizcaya” products. Costales said the festival aims to go beyond a traditional celebration by promoting a deeper appreciation of agriculture and sustainable travel. “The festival is more than just a celebration; it’s a movement that connects people back to the land, honors the farmers and inspires sustainable tourism that nurtures both nature and the community,” she said. “Let us celebrate the beauty of our province and support the growing agritourism movement that makes Nueva Vizcaya truly the heart of farm tourism in the North,” Costales added. Gov. Gambito expressed full support for the activity, saying the festival affirms the province’s commitment to its farmers and countryside development. “This agritourism festival is our tribute to the hands that feed us and the land that sustains us. By opening our farms to visitors, we are creating new opportunities for our communities while showcasing Nueva Vizcaya as a premier destination for sustainable, farm-based tourism in Northern Luzon,” Gambito said.    

By Rachel Magday NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — The Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) of Nueva Vizcaya was named Champion of Digital Governance at the Partner Summit 2025 of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) on November 25 at Cagayan State University here. The summit, organized by the DICT’s ICT Literacy and Competency Development Bureau, carried the theme “Walang Iwanan sa Digital Bayanihan” and brought together government leaders, industry partners, and academic institutions to boost collaboration for digital literacy and ICT competency nationwide. The Champion of Digital Governance Award recognizes local governments that show strong leadership and support for ICT programs that drive digital transformation and inclusive development. Criteria include the number of ICT projects done with DICT, funding and resources provided for ICT, creation or support of ICT offices, participation of local officials in trainings, and the impact of these efforts on community digital inclusion, such as residents trained and digital centers established. Nueva Vizcaya was cited for its sustained partnership with DICT, according to Provincial Information and Technology Division (PITD) chief Sherlyn B. Fernandez, through continued collaboration in the implementation of the Free Wi‑Fi ti Umili program that complements the national Free Wi‑Fi for All initiative, support for the rollout of ICT training programs and provincial capacity‑building activities, and the provision of training venues, equipment, and other ICT requirements for the conduct of ICT‑related activities in the province. Fernandez, who heads the PITD, received the award on behalf of the Provincial Government of Nueva Vizcaya. Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito thanked the DICT for the recognition, saying it affirms the province’s commitment to digital inclusion. “We are deeply honored to be recognized by the DICT as Champion of Digital Governance. This award is a testament to the hard work of our provincial team and our strong partnership with DICT in bringing digital services and opportunities closer to every Novo Vizcayano. We thank the DICT for its unwavering support, and we will continue to invest in ICT programs so that no one in our communities is left behind in the digital age,” Governor Gambito said.  

By Victor Martin   BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines – The FCF Minerals Corporation, a British-owned mining company, based in Runruno, Quezon in Nueva Vizcaya, won its fourth consecutive Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Award (PMIEA) during the 71st Annual National Mine Safety and Environment Conference (ANMSEC) held last Friday (22Nov) Camp John Hay in Baguio City. Lorne Harvey, FCF General Manager for Operations, and Lawyer Rowena Marcos, Legal and Compliance Manager, accepted the PMIEA award, during the awards night and testimonial dinner held at Camp-John Hay Trade and Cultural Center. Harvey said aside from the PMIEA, the highest award conferred by the Philippine Mine Safety and Environmental Association (PMSEA), FCF Minerals was also declared 1st runner-up in Best Practices in Minerals Processing-Metallic Category during the 4th ASEAN Minerals Awards held in Vientiane, Laos last month. In his message, Harvey expressed his heartfelt gratitude specially to the people of Barangay Runruno, personnel of MGB-R02 and all FCF employees. “These awards are for the men and women in our Runruno mine operation. We would not have achieved this recognition for the 4th consecutive year without their tireless dedication to excellence,” Harvey said. The PMIEA is given to mining companies that demonstrated outstanding performance in environmental management, occupational health and safety, and corporate social responsibility. Joshua Ambojnon, FCF Safety Officer, also received his award for winning the Best Safety Inspector for Plant Category. Harvey said the awards bestowed to FCF Minerals institutionalized the company’s zeal to go further towards outstanding levels of dedication and innovation in mining, enhancing the lives of their community while protecting and nurturing the environment. “I would also like to make mention of the support of our community as well as our local leaders and the work that they do in conjunction with our staff to enhance the lives of our local population. Without the support of our community, we as a business would not meet the success we have today,” Harvey added. Harvey said the FCF Minerals is also strongly committed as ever to working closely with its many stakeholder groups to continue providing significant benefits and leaving a positive and long legacy. Meanwhile, the FCF Emergency Response Team (ERT) also clinched second place in the First Aid Competition held at the Melvin Jones Grandstand. The ERT also demonstrated their exceptional skills across multiple challenges which includes the Fire Brigade Competition, Fire Extinguishment Event and Tug of Peace Challenge. A local subsidiary of London based Metals Exploration, FCF Minerals has an existing financial and technical assistance agreement (FTAA) with the government to undertake the Runruno Gold-Molybdenum Project in Runruno village in Quezon town here. The project has been endorsed by the provincial board, the host town of Quezon, as well as the barangay council in 2011 and started its commercial operation in 2017 after more than a decade of exploration and construction.  

By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito on Monday, November 24, led the blessing of 11 newly procured heavy equipment units for the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU). The short rite, held immediately after the Monday Flag Raising Ceremony, was attended by provincial officials and department heads. Provincial Engineer Jerry A. Tan reported that the new units consist of: • 4 units – 4×2 Hino 500-series dump trucksWinning bid total: ₱23,980,000 • 1 unit – Develon DL250-7M wheel loader- ₱13,998,000 • 2 units – SDLG G9165F graders-₱21,990,000 • 2 units – Volvo EW145B Prime wheel-type excavators-₱26,990,000 • 1 unit – UD Truck Quester CWE 410 self-loading unit-₱17,995,000 • 1 unit – Shantui SD22Z crawler-type bulldozer-₱18,998,000 Gov. Gambito said the acquisition will significantly boost the province’s capability in road construction and maintenance, disaster response, and other public works operations. The blessing, held right after the flag ceremony, was meant to dedicate the units to public service and to pray for the safety of all personnel who will operate them in the years ahead.

By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — Nueva Vizcaya Electric Cooperative (NUVELCO) is aiming to restore electricity across the province by December 12, 2025, following widespread damage from Suoer Typhoon Uwan. NUVELCO General Manager Fredel Salvador said crews are working nonstop and could finish sooner if conditions allow, though some areas remain hard to reach. According to NUVELCO’s latest assessment, roughly 19,000 of the cooperative’s 20,896 poles were affected—many toppled, broken, or otherwise damaged. So far, teams have inspected 2,354 poles, and 177 field personnel are currently deployed on restoration work. Salvador appealed for patience as crews face hazardous conditions. “We ask for your patience, cooperation and prayers as our personnel work around the clock under dangerous conditions to bring power back to every community. NUVELCO will not stop until service is fully restored,” he said. NUVELCO credited Task Force “Kapatid” for helping accelerate repairs. Support has come from several electric cooperatives, including Cagayan I and II, Pampanga II and III, Tarlac I and II, Zambales I, and Marinduque.

By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito has created “Task Force Uwan” to coordinate and accelerate recovery efforts in areas hit by Super Typhoon Uwan (Fung‑Wong), under Executive Order No. 22, s. 2025. The task force will be chaired by King Webster B. Balaw‑ing, Community Affairs Officer IV and head of the Public Affairs and Information Assistance Division (PAIAD) of the office of the Governor. Members include Provincial Engineer Engr. Jerry A. Tan; Provincial Agriculturist Absalom Rizal D. Baysa; Provincial Health Officer II Dr. Anthony F. Cortez; and Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Flordelina C. Granada. The PAIAD of the Governor’s office will serve as the secretariat, providing administrative support and maintaining records. Task Force Uwan will act as the province’s central body for implementing and monitoring post‑disaster rehabilitation. Its mandates include drafting, carrying out, and tracking a Post‑Disaster Rehabilitation Plan; forming committees or technical working groups as needed; mobilizing other offices, agencies, LGUs, and stakeholders; and setting protocols and timelines to meet targets. It may also perform other functions as directed by the governor. The task force must submit quarterly implementation reports and an annual accomplishments report to the governor. Funding will be sourced from the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund and other provincial funds, subject to existing budgeting, accounting, and auditing rules..    

  By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — The Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Jail (NVPJ) was named Outstanding Provincial Jail in the Philippines for the fourth time during the national convention of the Provincial Wardens Association of the Philippines (PWAP) held in the city of Mati, Davao Oriental from November 11 to 14. SFO4 Carmelo Andarada was likewise recognized for the fourth time as Outstanding Provincial Warden and was elected National President of PWAP during the same gathering. The NVPJ received multiple citations in addition to the Outstanding Provincial Jail award: Best Practice for its implementation of the Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA), Best Livelihood for its inmate livelihood programs, Cleanest Provincial Jail, and Child-Friendly Provincial Jail. Two jail personnel were also honored as Best Provincial Jail Employees — prison guard April Rose Lictawan and casual employee Candice Marie Alagano. The awards were presented during the PWAP national convention, which brought together wardens and jail administrators from across the country to share best practices, recognize exemplary facilities and personnel, and discuss sectoral reforms. The GCTA citation acknowledges NVPJ’s procedures in granting reductions in sentence for eligible inmates who demonstrate good conduct and comply with program requirements, while the livelihood recognition highlighted the facility’s vocational and income-generating programs for persons deprived of liberty (PDLs). Andarada expressed gratitude to PWAP for the recognitions and to Nueva Vizcaya Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito for sustained support for the jail’s programs and policies, which he credited as instrumental to the awards. As incoming national president of PWAP, Andarada is expected to promote the sharing of proven practices from NVPJ with other provincial jails and to advocate for reforms that prioritize rehabilitation, humane conditions, and reintegration services. Governor Gambito extended his congratulations to the jail and its staff and reiterated his commitment to transforming NVPJ into a rehabilitation and learning center. “As a lawyer, I have observed that some PDLs become more hardened criminals upon release, which is something we want to prevent,” Gambito said. “By converting the provincial jail into a rehabilitation and learning center, we aim to equip PDLs with knowledge and skills that will help them reintegrate into society successfully.”#RMI