By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — Over P68 million worth of agriculture projects were turned over to various Irrigators Association(IA) in Nueva Vizcaya in a ceremony led by Gov. Atty. Jose V. Gambito, National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Division Manager Felipa S. Sumer and Dept of Agriculture-PhilMech. on August 21. According to NIA Engr. Edhen Shiela Allaga,Supervising Engineer A, the package included P56.5 million in Communal Irrigation System (CIS) projects turned over through NIA to 12 Irrigators’ Associations across six municipalities. Bambang received three CIS projects totaling P23.5 million: Simmanguer CIS (P11.5 million), San Fernando Baguimbing Malayo CIS (P7 million) and Aliaga CIS (P5 million). Four CIS projects in Aritao amounted to P16 million: Upper Sta. Clara (P5.5 million), Mabalit CIS (P4 million), Kirang CIS (P3.5 million) and Upper Tucanon (P3 million). Two CIS projects in Dupax del Sur were turned over: Palabotan CIS (P3 million) and Abaca CIS (P3 million). In Dupax del Norte, the Madiana CIS (P3 million) was turned over. Ambaguio received the Tiblac CIS (P5 million), while Sta. Fe received the Sinapaoan CIS (P3 million). Gov. Gambito said his administration prioritizes supporting farmers and the agriculture sector, stressing that the investments aim to raise productivity, income and resilience in rural communities. He added that as farmers’ livelihoods improve and earnings from farming grow, they should no longer have to rely on government financial aid, and can support their families with sustainable, dignified income from the land. Also attending the event were Vice Gov. Eufemia Ang Dacayo and former board member Florante S. Gerdan, who represented Cong. Timothy Joseph E. Cayton. Meanwhile, seven IA’s also received Precision Rice Seeders(PRS) from the Philippine Center for Post Harvest Development and Mechanization(PhilMech) valued at P1.732 million per unit , according to Razel Quinto, Irrigators Development Officer A of NIA Nueva Vizcaya. The Magarang Bagahabag Irrigators Association received two units, while one unit each went to the Lower Bangaan Solano IA, Dumayop Tabban IA, Bantian Señora Falls IA, Arwat Palabotan IA and Probinsiano IA. The turnover covered irrigators’ groups across Bambang, Aritao, Dupax del Sur, Dupax del Norte, Ambaguio and Sta. Fe, bringing the total value of the day’s interventions to more than P68 million.

By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — Gov. Atty. Jose V. Gambito reiterated his full support for the province’s agriculture sector, citing its central role in Nueva Vizcaya’s economic growth, as provincial and national agencies turned over P17.5 million worth of agricultural inputs to onion farmers. Speaking at the Technical Briefing and Distribution of Agricultural Inputs for the Onion Industry, Gambito said farmers will remain a top priority of the provincial government in his new term. He emphasized that sustained support for producers is key to lifting rural livelihoods and strengthening the local economy. The Department of Agriculture(DA) and the Provincial Agriculture Office distributed the assistance to more than one thousand onion growers from the municipalities of Alfonso Castañeda, Aritao, Bambang, Kayapa, Dupax del Sur and Bagabag. The inputs were coursed through 12 Farmer’s Cooperative Associations(FCA’s)that count the recipients as members. According to DA, the package aims to boost onion production, lower farmers’ operating costs and raise incomes, while aligning provincial efforts with national programs to improve farm productivity and market readiness. The technical briefing component provided guidance on recommended practices and updates relevant to onion growers. Gambito underscored that the provincial government will continue channeling resources to initiatives that directly benefit farmers, in partnership with cooperatives and concerned agencies. He pointed to agriculture’s outsized contribution to local employment and supply chains as a rationale for sustained investment in the sector. The distribution forms part of continuing efforts to support Nueva Vizcaya’s onion grower’s with inputs and technical assistance, with the goal of improving yields, stabilizing supply and strengthening community-based cooperatives across the province.                

ENRILE,Cagayan, Philippines — Nanawagan si Enrile Mayor Miguel Decena Jr., na kasapi ng ‘Mayors for Good Governance’ ng masusing imbestigasyon kaugnay ng umano’y malawakang korapsyon sa mga flood control at iba pang proyekto ng Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). Sa panayam ng CPIO-TeleRadyo, tinukoy ni Mayor Decena ang ilang proyekto sa kanyang bayan na umano’y kapos sa kalidad at hindi nakapagsilbi sa mamamayan, kabilang na ang gumuhong tulay sa Barangay Alibago. Kanyang binigyang-diin na ilan sa mga proyekto ng DPWH ay naipatupad nang walang konsultasyon sa lokal na pamahalaan dahilan upang magdulot ng pangamba sa mga residente. Punto ng alkalde, mahalagang may kaalaman at partisipasyon ang LGU sa mga proyektong ipinatutupad ng ahensiya sa kanilang nasasakupan upang matiyak ang kalidad at pakinabang nito. Kaugnay rito, sinabi rin ng alkalde na handa itong humarap sa Senado kung sakaling kailanganin sa mas malalim na pagtalakay ng isyu. Kasabay nito, inihayag din ni Mayor Decena na nagkakaisa ang Mayors for Good Governance sa panawagang sugpuin ang katiwalian. Aniya, hindi sila kalaban ng gobyerno kun’di katuwang para masiguro ang tama at makatarungang paggamit ng pondo ng bayan. Naninindigan din siya kasama ang ibang kasapi ng ‘Mayors for Good Governance’ na kailangang suportahan si Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. sa pagsusulong ng imbestigasyon sa mga proyektong pinagdududahan ang kalidad dahil kung hindi, buong bansa ang maaaring malugi. “Hindi kami kalaban ng gobyerno, kakampi kami ng gobyerno para maibsan itong katiwalian na nangyayari, kung walang tutulong kay Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. na mag-investigate about this matter the whole country at lost, kaya naninindigan ang Mayors for Good Governance about this matter,” pahayag ng alkalde. (Jovy Andres)  

By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — A delegation of students from Japanese universities visited the Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Capitol to consult with the Provincial Tourism and Culture Office for an academic study on developing agritourism anchored on the province’s farmlands and other local assets. Held with the full support of Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito, the visit aims to surface practical strategies to grow agritourism and expand livelihood opportunities for farming communities. Acting Provincial Tourism and Culture Officer Marichelle O. Costales led the discussions with the students, joined by GLM Institute Representative Director Kazuhiro Yamamoto; Vizcaya FRESH Operations Manager Ronnel Acio and ARMLED, Inc. Operations Manager Alvin M. Agsalda, on August 6. With its extensive farmlands and deep agricultural heritage, Nueva Vizcaya is seen as an ideal setting for agritourism innovations that can create jobs, diversify farmers’ income, and bring local products to wider markets. The students are expected to consolidate their findings into recommendations that could inform pilot initiatives and future academic–industry collaborations. For the PTCO, insights from the exchange will help refine programs that advance inclusive and sustainable tourism. The meeting underscores the Provincial Government of Nueva Vizcaya’s openness to international collaboration and fresh ideas that strengthen both tourism and agriculture—for the benefit of Vizcayanos today and in the years to come.        

By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — Gov. Atty. Jose V. Gambito led the payout of honorarium for 141 beneficiaries of the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES), a joint initiative of the provincial government and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) that provides paid summer work to students, on August 14. Gov. Gambito reiterated his longstanding message that the provincial government is preparing the province for the youth through programs that build opportunities, skills and values—and, in turn, he urged young people to prepare themselves for the province by completing their studies, sharpening their competencies, and cultivating discipline and a spirit of service to the community. Under SPES’ cost-sharing scheme, the provincial government shoulders 60 percent of each beneficiary’s honorarium, while the remaining 40 percent is covered by DOLE. PESD Manager Dolly Rose C. Minas, who oversees the program’s implementation, said the provincial government allocated P1 million as counterpart funding for this year’s SPES cycle. Student-beneficiaries worked for 20 days, receiving a stipend of P619 per day. Minas added that high school beneficiaries were assigned to clean and maintain the provincial capitol grounds, while college students were deployed to various offices at the capitol for tasks related to their courses, giving them practical exposure to public service and workplace skills. Minas also noted that many of the student-beneficiaries rendered their service during the peak of the Grand Ammungan Festival in May, when the provincial capitol required heightened cleaning and maintenance to accommodate visitors and events. SPES, a program initiated by DOLE, aims to help students earn during their summer break while gaining work experience that strengthens their readiness for future employment and helps families offset educational expenses.

CAGAYAN, Philippines — Tuguegarao City, under the leadership of Mayor Maila Ting, has once again been recognized as National Special Awardee-Best City Government Category, during the prestigious award was conferred by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., PNP Chief Nicolar D. Torre III, and DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla during the 124th Anniversary Celebration of the Philippine National Police. In the same event, the Cagayan Provincial Police Office was named Best Provincial Police Office in the Philippines, while the Tuguegarao City Component Police Station was hailed as Best Component Police Station in the Philippines. These recognitions underscore the commitment of Tuguegarao City and its law enforcement agencies to excellence in governance, public safety, and community service. (From Mayor Maila Ting)    

By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — Congressman Atty. Timothy Joseph E. Cayton has hit the ground running in the opening week of the 20th Congress, filing five key bills aimed at strengthening social welfare, supporting educators, and empowering local government units. Leading his legislative agenda is House Bill No. 2691, which seeks to establish a universal social pension for senior citizens. By amending current statutes, this measure aims to guarantee financial support for all elderly Filipinos, reinforcing the country’s commitment to social justice and ensuring that no senior is left behind. Recognizing the vital role of teachers in nation-building, House Bill No. 2692 proposes a special bonus for public school teachers every October, in celebration of Teachers’ Month. This initiative not only offers much-needed financial incentives but also serves as a tribute to the unwavering dedication of educators shaping the nation’s future. With a vision for reliable and sustainable energy, House Bill No. 2693 seeks to grant a franchise to the Nueva Vizcaya Electric Cooperative, Inc. This legislation will empower the cooperative to manage and distribute electric power throughout Nueva Vizcaya, ensuring consistent and dependable energy access for local communities. To further boost the welfare of local government employees, House Bill No. 2694 proposes to allow local government units (LGUs) to utilize their certified year-end savings to provide additional benefits to their personnel. This measure aims to cultivate a motivated and well-supported local government workforce, driving improved public service. Rounding out his legislative package, House Bill No. 2695 seeks to amend the Local Government Code of 1991 to increase appropriations for personal services. The bill is intended to ensure LGUs can offer competitive compensation to their employees, ultimately enhancing the quality and efficiency of public service delivery. “These bills are a reflection of my deep commitment to serve our senior citizens, educators, and local government personnel,” Congressman Cayton said. “By prioritizing their welfare and empowering our communities, we lay the foundation for a more just, equitable, and progressive society not only for the Novo Vizcayanos but for every Filipino.” All five bills have been formally referred to their respective committees for deliberation and further action    

By Zaldy Comanda   BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya- Pormal na inihain sa Kongreso ni Nueva Vizcaya  Congressman Tim Cayton ang House Bill 2691 (Universal Social Pension) na humihiling ng ₱1,500 monthly social pension sa lahat ng mga senior citizen sa buong bansa. Ayon kay Cayton, ang nasabing HB ay handog sa lahat ng mga seniors na Pilipino, anuman ang kanilang mga katayuan sa buhay, mahirap man o mayaman.   Sinabi ni Cayton na sa loob ng 9 na taon na pagiging Mayor nito sa kanyang bayan sa Dupax del Norte, mula 2016 hanggang 2025, ay walang naiwanan sa mga senior citizen sa kanyang nasasakupan matapos siyang gumawa ng programa para mabigyan silang lahat ng pension. “Walang maiiwan. Let’s give our elders the support and dignity they truly deserve,” pahayag ni Cayton na isang kilalang abogado. Dahil sa nasabing programa at  iba pang mga social services na ipinarupad ng LGU- Dupax del Norte ay pinarangalan si Cayton bilang outstanding mayor of the Philippines noong 2023. “Our senior citizens will always occupy a special place in my heart,” dagdag ng bagitong mambabatas. Dahil sa mga social services na ipinatupad ni Cayton lalo na sa pagtulong sa mga elders, kabataan, magsasaka at lahat ng sektor ay nag- umapaw naman ang suporta ng mga residente ng Nueva Vizcaya sa katatapos na May 12 elections matapos siyang makakuha ng malaking boto at magwagi bilang bagong Congressman sa kabila na siya ang pinakabata sa kanilang 7 na magkakatungali. Inaasahan naman ng mga senior citizen na maipasa ang nasabing HB upang matulungan ang lahat ng mga elders na walang pinipili, mayaman man o mahirap.

By Rachel Magday   SOLANO,Nueva Vizcaya,Philippines — Mayor Philip A. Dacayo of Solano,Nueva Vizcaya has outlined a vision for the municipality’s growth and development as it works toward achieving cityhood. In a recent interview, Dacayo emphasized that while Solano is not yet a city, the local government is committed to providing services and benefits comparable to those of a city. “We may not be a city, but we will strive hard to deliver the services and privileges that a city can provide to its constituents. City is just a name or a branding,” he stated, reflecting his determination to enhance the community’s well-being. Solano is making significant progress in meeting the requirements for cityhood. The municipality has generated approximately 300 million pesos in local income and meets the land area criteria. However, Dacayo acknowledged that the population requirement remains a challenge. He clarified that, according to current laws, meeting either the population or income criteria is sufficient for cityhood eligibility. Dacayo also took pride in announcing that Solano is the only municipality in the province that is ISO certified in Quality Management System(QMS). This achievement underscores the local government’s commitment to maintaining high standards in service delivery and operational efficiency. Key investments are on the horizon for Solano, including the upcoming Camella subdivision, which is set to begin pre-selling in the coming months. Additionally, discussions are ongoing with Robinsons for the construction of a new mall, which is expected to create jobs and stimulate local economic growth. Dacayo highlighted the importance of activating Bagabag Airport, a priority for Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito, which he believes will enhance connectivity and open up new opportunities for the municipality. He is also collaborating with Cagayan Valley Regional Tourism Council (CVRTC)Chair Ruth R. Padilla to work on various infrastructure projects for Solano. Acknowledging her connections, Dacayo believes that her support will be instrumental in securing funding for these initiatives. Plans are underway for a new four-story municipal or city hall, with an estimated budget of 400 to 500 million pesos. Congressman Timothy Joseph E. Cayton has pledged an initial fund of 150 million pesos to support the first phase of this project. Furthermore, a central terminal is planned to accommodate various national government offices, positioning Solano as an institutional center. As Solano moves forward in its development efforts, Mayor Dacayo emphasizes that the people of Solano deserve the best. He believes that the community should live up to its reputation as the best of Nueva Vizcaya, striving for excellence in services and opportunities for the Solanoans.