By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZVAYA, Philippines — The death toll in Nueva Vizcaya from Super Typhoon Uwan rose to four after rescuers on Tuesday morning recovered the body of a 10-year-old boy in Kasibu who was buried by a landslide. The child’s 12-year-old sibling survived the incident in Barangay Alloy. An initial police report said the brothers were asleep when the slope gave way. Responders from the Bureau of Fire Protection, the Philippine National Police and the Kasibu Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office launched a rescue but were able to save only the older child; the younger was declared dead on arrival. Kasibu police said the site was remote, reachable only after about an hour of trekking, with no mobile phone or internet signal. The town remains isolated at all entry and exit points because of multiple landslides, along with downed trees and toppled power poles blocking roads, authorities added. In a separate incident yesterday afternoon, the body of a man in his 30s was recovered in Barangay Maasin, Quezon town, after he was also buried by a landslide, according to the PNP. Police said the victim’s father traced him to a mountain hut where he had gone to secure belongings as the storm neared; when the son failed to return, the father searched the area and found the structure had been buried. Last Monday, authorities reported that 5-year-old twins from Barangay Balangabang in Kayapa died in a landslide at the height of the typhoon.

KAYAPA, Nueva Vizvaya, Philippines — A five-year-old twin boy died, crushed to death by a landslide during the height of Typhoon Uwan in Barangay Balangabang, Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya, early morning, November 10. According to PMaj. Len Gomultin, chief of Kayapa PNP, they received a report landslide at around 2:30 in the morning where the victims were sleeping with their parents and another sibling when they were suddenly covered by the landslide. The father tried to save his children and brought them to the nearest hospital but the victims were declared dead on arrival. Their parents and another sibling who sustained injuries in the incident were immediately rushed to the nearest hospital. It can be recalled that Super Typhoon Uwan made landfall in the area of ​​Maria Aurora, Aurora at around 9:10 pm on November 9, moving through Nueva Vizcaya, Cordillera to La Union, accompanied by strong winds and torrential rain.  

By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Region 2, in partnership with the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) of Nueva Vizcaya, distributed checks totaling PHP 2.2 million to 58 former Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) from various towns in the province today under the agency’s Reintegration Program. The release covered livelihood grants ranging from P8,000 to P20,000, as well as medical and bereavement assistance of PHP 5,000 to P20,000 for eligible beneficiaries. The awarding was led by Provincial Board Member Flodemonte S. Gerdan on behalf of Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito, alongside Alma D. Chavente, head of OWWA Region 2’s Reintegration Unit, and Dolly Rose C. Minas of the Governor’s Office Public Employment Service Division, who oversees the province’s OFW Welfare Center. Chavente commended the provincial government for establishing the OFW Welfare Center, which she noted is the first of its kind in the region and a significant support hub for OFWs in the province. Gerdan reiterated the provincial government’s commitment to OFWs and urged beneficiaries to use the financial assistance wisely to build sustainable livelihoods and avoid the need to work abroad and leave their families. OWWA’s Reintegration Program is a set of initiatives designed to help returning OFWs and their families become productive members of their communities upon their return to the Philippines.

By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — Eleven college students with disabilities in Nueva Vizcaya have received educational assistance from the provincial government through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) under its Tulong Dunong Program. The beneficiaries, who study at various tertiary institutions across the province, were personally handed their assistance by Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito. He commended the students for pursuing higher education despite their disabilities and urged them to complete their degrees. “Finish your studies; that is the key to improving and uplifting your life. When you graduate, come here and apply for a job, and if I am still the governor, you will be given priority for employment,” Gambito said. One beneficiary, Angelo Gabriel Patawig, a political science student at St Mary’s University in Bayombong, expressed gratitude, noting that he has been a regular recipient of the Tulong Dunong educational assistance from his first year until now as a graduating student. He said the support has been a significant help, especially since his parents do not have stable livelihoods. Patawig advised fellow students with disabilities not to be defined by physical limitations: “Do not dwell on our physical limitations. My mindset is that I am normal and can do everything to achieve my dreams.” The Tulong Dunong Program aims to support at least the partial cost of tertiary education, including education-related expenses of its grantees.  

By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — “We reject destructive mining in Nueva Vizcaya because it causes massive excavation, land instability, and exploits local communities,” Saint Mary’s University (SMU) of Bayombong said in a statement posted on its Facebook page. The Catholic university also condemned corruption, calling it “evil in every shape or manner” because it destroys public trust, weakens government offices, and breeds cynicism and hopelessness. SMU linked environmental harm to corrupt practices, saying the misuse of natural resources, mining, and pollution violate ancestral lands and the rights of Indigenous peoples who have long cared for the Watershed Haven of Cagayan Valley in Nueva Vizcaya. The school said its stand follows Catholic teaching, citing Pope Francis’ Laudato si’ and the Bible verse, “God looked at everything he had made, and found it very good” (Genesis 1:31). Issued in communion with the Diocese of Bayombong, the Board of Trustees, the administration, employees, students, and alumni, the statement said SMU will speak out against corruption, oppose destructive mining in the province, work with government leaders and communities on environmental education to promote ethical governance, and carry out sustainable practices to keep governance transparent, protect human rights, and care for the environment for the long term. Saint Mary’s University is a Catholic school in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya. For almost 100 years, it has served the province and the Cagayan Valley, educating hundreds of thousands of students and graduates. Its mission is to form Christian disciples and to promote a healthy learning environment, human development, and care for creation. The university ended its statement with a prayer to Blessed Virgin Mary for guidance and protection as it works to build communities where love, justice, and peace prevail.

By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — The province of Nueva Vizcaya was recognized as a Regional Winner in the Provincial Category at the 2025 SubayBAYANI Regional Awarding Ceremony held at Meynard’s Resort and Convention Center in Tuguegarao City on October 30. The province was also named a National Finalist, underscoring its continued success in effective and efficient infrastructure governance. Representing the Provincial Government of Nueva Vizcaya at the ceremony were Assistant Provincial Engineer Noel V. Adducul; personnel from the PPDO; Engr. Cesar A. Senteta; Engr. Jophel B. Lacuesta; and Mr. Raffy Ian P. Pagala, who accepted the award on the province’s behalf. The infrastructure project recognized for its sound implementation and results is the upgrading of the Jct. Nat’l–Bua–Bulala–Muta–Macabenga Road in Kasibu— a three-kilometer undertaking with a total budget of P73 million. Implemented in two phases in 2019 and 2020 through the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s Conditional Matching Grant to Provinces (CMGP), the works included concrete paving, stone masonry headwalls and slope protection, metal guardrails, warning and chevron signs, and white thermoplastic pavement markings. According to Provincial Engineer Jerry A. Tan, the entire provincial road section from Brgy. Bua in Kasibu to Brgy. Macabenga in Dupax del Norte was fully concreted in 2022 after the provincial government allocated more than P166 million to complete over 10 kilometers of concrete road, further improving connectivity along the route.   The upgraded roads are already producing measurable economic and social benefits. Farmers in Kasibu and surrounding barangays can now transport produce more quickly and at lower cost to the Nueva Vizcaya Agricultural Terminal (NVAT), reducing spoilage and improving market returns. Residents and students enjoy safer, shorter trips to schools, markets, and health centers, while more reliable public transport and reduced vehicle wear have improved everyday mobility and supported local commerce by shortening travel times between upland communities and town centers. “Our message is simple: infrastructure in Nueva Vizcaya is built right, monitored closely, and meant to serve our people,” Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito said. “This SubayBAYANI recognition shows that when we follow standards and demand transparency, farmers earn more, students travel safer, and communities thrive.” The SubayBAYANI Awards, the DILG’s flagship recognition program, honors exemplary local governments for excellence in infrastructure delivery and spotlights tangible community gains achieved through sound governance and citizen-centered innovation.

By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines – House Deputy Minority Leader and Mamamayang Liberal (ML) party-list Rep. Leila M. de Lima has filed House Resolution No. 413 asking Congress to investigate alleged illegal exploration by Woggle Corporation in Dupax del Norte, Nueva Vizcaya. The measure also seeks review and possible cancellation of the company’s exploration permit issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Mines and Geosciences Bureau (DENR‑MGB). The filing was an offshoot of a meeting in which former Nueva Vizcaya Governor Ruth R. Padilla personally visited Rep. De Lima’s office to hand over documents showing strong opposition from Dupax del Norte residents. Padilla told De Lima that locals say they were not properly consulted and did not give written consent for the exploration. During the meeting, De Lima committed to call a formal legislative inquiry so communities can be heard and officials can be held accountable. In August 2025, DENR‑MGB granted Woggle—reported to be an affiliate of FCF Minerals Corporation—a 3,100‑hectare exploration permit in Dupax del Norte, reportedly for gold and copper. Residents and local groups say the company began work without proper consultation, citing tree uprooting and other actions they call illegal. The Sangguniang Barangays of Oyao, Bitnong, Inaban, and Munguia all in Dupax del Norte passed resolutions opposing the project and asking for an investigation and possible cancellation of the permit. On August 18, 2025, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Nueva Vizcaya adopted Resolution No. 2025‑5734 asking the DENR‑MGB to cancel the permit for alleged environmental and procedural violations. Residents, religious leaders, lawyers, and environmental groups have held protests. On October 10, 2025, Regional Trial Court Branch 30 in Bayombong issued a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) in favor of Woggle, barring residents from maintaining barricades on access roads; the TRO was extended to October 30, 2025. HR 413 also notes the court ordered the Philippine National Police to enforce the TRO, and there are reports of heavy‑handed actions against the protesters and indigenous groups. “The water, land, homes, livelihoods and future of our people in Nueva Vizcaya are at risk,” De Lima said when she filed HR 413. “No amount of profit can replace the lives and livelihoods of affected communities.” With HR 413 filed and De Lima’s promise to call a legislative inquiry, the House is expected to review the permit’s validity, check compliance with environmental and consultation rules, and consider steps to protect residents and the environment.

NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — Amid the controversy over Woogle Corporation’s mining exploration in Barangay Bitnong, Dupax del Norte, Rep. Timothy Joseph E. Cayton reiterated that his proposed measure declaring all watersheds in Nueva Vizcaya as protected areas would pave the way to halt mining applications across the province. The bill is among the first he filed upon assuming office in July. “We will not let our guards down. We will stand firm. We will continue to protect and defend Nueva Vizcaya—our home, our heritage, our future,” Cayton said in a Facebook post, calling it his “solemn duty” to safeguard residents’ welfare and the environment. “I am writing this once and for all—to confront an issue that has divided our people and our province. Because this is not the Nueva Vizcaya I envision.” Filed as House Bill No. 4502, the “Nueva Vizcaya as Watershed Haven Enhanced Protection Act” seeks to declare all provincial watersheds as protected areas, establishing what Cayton describes as “a Watershed Haven Protected Nueva Vizcaya” that “places water, forests, and people first.” “This measure is a legal act and declaration of identity and purpose. It reflects who we are as Novo Vizcayanos and what we stand for as stewards of our land and guardians of our future,” he said. The late former Environment Secretary Gina Lopez argued that mining should not be allowed in watersheds, saying, “The money that people want to make, and the gold and nickel they want to get cannot and must not be more important than the quality of life of the people,” a view Cayton cited in backing his bill. He also pointed to the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 (Republic Act No. 7942), noting that the law vests mineral resources in the State and mandates development and conservation that protect the environment and affected communities. “Section 19 provides for areas closed to mining application, one of which is watershed. This provision is the legal basis for our cry of ‘No to mining!’” Cayton said. Framing the measure as part of a broader agenda for a “Brand New Nueva Vizcaya,” Cayton said progress should be defined by conservation, sustainable livelihoods, and community empowerment—“a future rooted in protection, regeneration, and social justice—one that uplifts communities, not exploits them; where development empowers, not harms.” He urged constituents to trust the legislative process and continue their support as the bill advances in Congress, asking the public to back and pray for its passage. By Rachel Magday                

By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines – Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito  called for civility and unity, affirming the provincial government’s duty to respect court processes in the disputed mining exploration. He invited anti‑mining leaders to a “fruitful dialogue,” saying he wants to work with civil, responsible leaders to find solutions and prefers engagement over confrontation — even with protesters he believes are acting out of political interest. At the provincial government’s flag‑raising ceremony, Gambito said he will not be drawn into online attacks. “I am not silent, but I do not want to engage with disrespectful people on social media,” he said, noting a surge of harsh posts directed at him. He appealed for respect: “If they can’t respect the person, at least respect the position. If they disrespect the position, they also disrespect the people of Nueva Vizcaya who put me here.” He added that critics should not expect him to join scuffles at barricades — “I have other, more effective ways” — and said he has already relayed constituents’ concerns to the proper authorities, including President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos. The governor framed his role as the province’s “father,” saying pro‑ and anti‑mining groups are like “children” in conflict. “As a reasonable father,” he said, he must find ways to resolve misunderstandings rather than inflame tensions, and he urged community leaders not to provoke residents or make the conflict worse. “If the majority of Nueva Vizcaya residents do not want mining, so be it. I can very well serve the province with or without mining,” Gambito added, saying his priority is serving the people and finding a peaceful solution. His remarks followed an incident last Friday in Sitio Keon, Barangay Bitnong, Dupax del Norte, where anti‑mining protesters confronted police officers who were providing security to a court sheriff serving an order from RTC Branch 30 Judge Paul R. Attolba Jr. The order was related to a temporary restraining order (TRO) sought by Woogle Corporation to allow it to proceed with exploration activities. As an anti‑mining rally took place Monday morning at the People’s Stage at the provincial capitol, Gambito sent a same‑day invitation to church leaders — including Bishop Elmer Mangalinao of the Diocese of Bayombong, who attended the protest — the protesters’ lawyers and anti‑mining leaders from Barangay Bitnong for a dialogue in his office. He described the invite as a sincere effort to resolve the issue peacefully and find common ground. The group declined the office meeting and insisted the governor come to the rally instead. Gambito at first considered agreeing to that demand, but one of the more civil anti‑mining leaders advised him not to go for security reasons. PNP Provincial Director Paul Bometivo said the demonstration was peaceful. Police estimated about 400 people took part — including residents from Dupax del Norte and other towns in Nueva Vizcaya, clergy, local officials and youth leaders. During the program at the capitol, leaders delivered speeches voicing their opposition to the mining project. Afterward the crowd marched out of the capitol grounds and continued their rally in front of the municipal hall in Dupax del Norte. Gambito reiterated that his office remains open for good‑faith dialogue and called on all sides to help lower the temperature, respect institutions and work toward a peaceful resolution.