ALCALA, Cagayan — Binisita ni Gobernador Edgar “Manong Egay” Aglipay ang lokasyon na posibleng pagtatayuan ng Rice Industrial Complex sa Bayan ng Alcala, Cagayan,noong Oktubre 20, 2025. Nagsagawa ng site inspection si Aglipay kasama si Alcala Mayor Tin Antonio at sina One Cagayan Agriculture Cluster Head Perlita Mabassa at Board Member Atty. Romeo Garcia, maging ang iba pang Municipal Officials ng Alcala. Matatandaan na isa ang bayan ng Alcala sa mga tinukoy ni Gob. Aglipay na patatayuan ng naturang pasilidad upang makaagapay sa pangangailangan ng mga Cagayanong magsasaka. Muling iginiit ni Gob. Aglipay ang kanyang pagnanais na isulong ang mga programa at serbisyo para sa mga magsasaka at mangingisda kaya’t siniguro nito ang maigting na pakikipag-ugnayan sa mga ahensiya ng gobyerno upang mailapit ang pangangailangan ng probinsiya ng Cagayan.      

By Rachel Magday   BAYOMBONG,Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines — The Regional Trial Court of Bayombong, Branch 30, has extended a temporary restraining order that bars residents and their agents from blocking access to Woggle Corporation’s mining exploration site in Dupax del Norte,Nueva Vizcaya. In an order dated Oct. 14, 2025, Presiding Judge Paul R. Attolba Jr. extended a 72-hour TRO issued on Oct. 10 for an additional 20 days, keeping the restraint in force until Oct. 30, 2025 unless earlier lifted or modified. The case was filed by Woggle against Florentino Daynos, Jun Roduta and others. During the preliminary hearing last Monday, the defendants’ lawyers said the barricade was inside a private lot and argued Woggle’s exploration permit is invalid because the company did not hold consultations in the barangays covered by the permit. They also said that conducting consultations in the affected barangays is a mandatory requirement. Several local residents and anti‑mining advocates attended the hearing to show support for those opposing the exploration. Woggle, holder of Exploration Permit No. 00030‑II from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Mines and Geosciences Bureau, said its permit covers about 3,101.11 hectares across several barangays in Dupax del Norte. The company told the court its personnel were blocked from reaching the exploration area in Sitio Keon by a barricade set up near Keon Barangay Road in Barangay Bitnong and the Aritao‑Quirino national highway. Citing the government-issued permit, the court said Woggle “prima facie establishes their right to conduct exploration activities,” and found that loss of access would cause “irreparable injury” because exploration work is time-sensitive and interruptions cannot be adequately compensated by damages. The order added that the defendants’ arguments raise factual or mixed legal questions that require fuller evidentiary hearings. Judge Attolba wrote that the “balance of interest” favors Woggle and described the barricading as an apparent overreach of the defendants’ rights. The order restrains the defendants, their agents and anyone acting with them from (a) installing or maintaining a barricade along Keon Barangay Road, Barangay Bitnong, and the Aritao‑Quirino national highway, and (b) preventing vehicles, employees, contractors, representatives and agents of Woggle from entering Keon to access the exploration area. The court directed its sheriff to implement the order.

By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Nueva Vizcaya 1st District Engineering Office has implemented 59 flood-control projects from 2022 to 2025 with a combined allocation of more than P3.8 billion, according to data from the Isumbong Mo sa Pangulo website. By locality, the funded flood-control works were listed as follows: Bambang: 30 projects, P1,500,000,000 Billion Bagabag: 9 projects, P993,000,000Million Bayombong: 14 projects, P866,000,000Million Quezon: 3 projects, P242,000,000Million Solano: 4 projects, P204,000,000Million In a recent legislative inquiry conducted by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, District Engineer Danilo Bernabe said 10 of the projects were damaged but are being repaired by the contractors to whom the projects were awarded. From the total flood-control funding, the top five contractors by allocation were: EGB Construction — P965,009,000M— 7 projects Dalcon Construction — P937,835,000M— 12 projects V.B. Manubay Construction — P580,500,000M — 7 projects BRG Construction — P269,500,000M— 6 projects J.E.L. Construction & Supply — P212,851,529.38M — 6 projects With the 1st District Engineering Office receiving more than P3.8 billion and the 2nd District receiving P2.8 billion, the combined flood-control fund that Nueva Vizcaya obtained from 2022 to 2026 exceeds P6.6 billion.        

CAGAYAN, Philippines — Cagayan province is home to over 3.66 million people, with youth aged 15 to 24 accounting for nearly one-fifth of its population. Internet use is widespread, with three out of four residents aged 10 and above already online. Yet, many continue to face barriers in accessing and maximizing digital tools in ways that are safe, responsible, and creative. To help bridge these gaps, Globe launched a series of engagements that gathered more than 750 students across the region, providing lessons on digital citizenship, leadership, and creative expression. Building on this effort, Globe organized a three-day program in partnership with three institutions. The sessions combined digital literacy modules, leadership workshops, and creative platforms designed to nurture future-ready communities in Cagayan province. Investing in the Next Generation Globe’s programs in Cagayan province reaffirm its commitment to prepare young Filipinos for the future by strengthening their digital skills, leadership abilities, and creative platforms for self-expression. “As we saw in Cagayan province, young Filipinos are already shaping their own futures with technology, leadership, and creativity. At Globe, we see the youth not just as future leaders but as leaders of today. Our role is to stand beside them as they build a better tomorrow for their communities and the nation,” said Raymond Mancilla, Territory Business Head. A Generation of Innovation, Leadership, and Community In Cagayan, Globe’s Digital Thumbprint Program (DTP) is empowering students to be not just digital natives but active changemakers. At Peñablanca National High School, 250 students joined DTP sessions on responsible digital citizenship. Instead of passively waiting to learn, they shared the advanced AI tools they already use in their studies, such as Nomunity, Study Talk, Perplexity, Blackbox AI, and Scholar.ai — proof of their openness to innovation and their ability to find new ways to learn. At Cagayan State University, more than 350 student leaders gathered to explore how leadership can be rooted in everyday actions that shape their peers and communities. Through DTP and complementary workshops on inclusivity, responsibility, and student voice, participants were encouraged to see themselves as active drivers of change. The program culminated in the TM Fun Music concert, which brought together over 2,500 students from the CSU Andrews and Carig campuses. Performances by Amiel Sol, student artists, and local talents transformed the event into a celebration of creativity and community spirit. “We sincerely thank our partners at Globe for sharing their time, efforts, and resources with the students of Cagayan State University Andrews Campus. Through the Digital Thumbprint Program, we were reminded of the importance of using technology responsibly, while the concert gave us a chance to celebrate and come together as one community. These activities brought both learning and joy, leaving a lasting impact on us as more informed, connected, and inspired individuals,” said Kyle Aron Tan, CSU Student Regent and Andrews Campus Student Council President. Beyond the Skills For the 150 medical student leaders at the Medical Colleges of Northern Philippines, DTP offered more than lessons on digital responsibility. It became a reminder that in healthcare, leadership is not measured only by knowledge but also by empathy, ethics, and accountability. “The seminar was an eye-opening experience for all the student leaders, making them realize the importance of being responsible digital citizens in today’s fast-changing online world. I believe that each of us gained practical knowledge on how to protect our identity online, secure our personal information, and be more critical when encountering content on social media especially with the rise of fake news and misinformation,” said MSNP-ISAP Student Activities Coordinator, James Vidad. From classrooms to concert stages and from leadership workshops to personal journeys, Globe’s work in Cagayan province highlights one truth. The brilliance of Filipino youth is the country’s greatest harvest. By nurturing their potential, Globe is helping shape a generation of leaders, creators, and changemakers who will carry the promise of a brighter future.

  By Rachel Magday   The provincial government of Nueva Vizcaya led by Gov. Atty. Jose V. Gambito, garnered multiple honors at the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) Pearl Awards during the 26th ATOP National Convention at Hotel Supreme in Baguio City on Oct. 2, highlighting the province’s strong momentum in culture and tourism promotion. Competing in a field that drew roughly 600 local government units across various categories, the province was named first runner-up for Best Tourism Promotions Video and second runner-up for Best Tourism Promotions Brochure. It also placed second runner-up for Best Event Hosting for the R2 Synergy Summit, spearheaded by the Cagayan Valley Regional Tourism Council chaired by Ruth R. Padilla, which gathered key stakeholders to discuss sustainable tourism and community development. Gov. Gambito expressed delight over the province’s wins, saying: “Tourism is a top priority of my administration. These ATOP honors validate our push for sustainable, community-based tourism—supporting farmers, weavers, and MSMEs—so every Vizcayano benefits from culture- and nature-led growth.” The winning brochure, “Vibe in Nueva Vizcaya,” highlights where to eat and what to buy, features celebrations such as the Grand Ammungan Festival, maps tourism circuits in the north and south districts, and includes a QR code that consolidates the province’s tourism offerings. The recognized video, “KAPELing ka Mamasyal, Aroma of the Beauty etched in History and Nature,” spotlights coffee as a signature draw, linking the province’s booming coffee industry to local livelihoods, heritage, and scenic landscapes through farm-to-cup experiences and community roasters. Provincial Tourism Officer Marichelle O. Costales and CVRTC chair Ruth R. Padilla,who also head the NV Provincial Tourism Council accepted the awards on behalf of the province. This marks the third consecutive year Nueva Vizcaya has been recognized at the ATOP Pearl Awards. In the municipal category, Kasibu earned first runner-up for Best Tourism Souvenirs (Non-Food) with “Mun-abol — The Living Legacy of Kasibu’s Indigenous Weaving Traditions,” and first runner-up for Best Tourism Promotions Brochure for “Kasibu: A Journey Through Our Food, Place, and Culture with Augmented Reality.” The ATOP Pearl Awards, organized annually by ATOP in partnership with the Department of Tourism, honor outstanding tourism initiatives and best practices by LGUs and stakeholders, promoting sustainability and celebrating the Philippines’ natural and cultural attractions.

By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito has given provincial government hospitals and the Provincial Health Office a two-week window to submit the requirements for accreditation under PhilHealth’s Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP), as part of his drive to bring healthcare services closer to Novo Vizcayanos. The directive was issued during the governor’s recent meeting with Ret BGEN. Llewelyn R. Binasoy Regional Vice-President of PhilHealth Region II, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Anthony S. Cortez, chiefs of the Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Hospital (NVPH), Dupax District Hospital(DDH)Kasibu Municipal Hospital, Lt. Tidang Memorial Hospital, Bagabag Hospital, and Diadi Emergency Hospital, along with members of the Local Finance Committee. Discussions centered on PhilHealth’s revitalized primary care benefit package, YAKAP. YAKAP expands the Konsultasyong Sulit at Tama (Konsulta) package to include more primary and outpatient care services such as medicines, check-ups, and basic laboratory tests. Cancer screening tests will also be available to members for free at selected hospitals through valid prescriptions from accredited primary care providers. The program further broadens access to essential medicines under the strengthened PhilHealth Guaranteed Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment (GAMOT) program. According to Provincial Health Officer Dr. Anthony S. Cortez, PhilHealth members can enroll in the YAKAP program by registering through the eGovPH app, the PhilHealth Member Portal, or any PhilHealth office and selecting a YAKAP Clinic. After registration, they should visit their chosen YAKAP Clinic for a consultation to obtain a prescription for essential medicines, which will then be dispensed at an accredited GAMOT provider. “Timely accreditation will enable Novo Vizcayanos to access these expanded benefits through local health facilities—from medicines and check-ups to basic lab tests and cancer screening—without having to travel far or pay out of pocket,” Governor Gambito said.

LUNA, Isabela, Philippines — The Bato Art Festival is Luna’s annual celebration of creativity and heritage, inspired by the abundance of gravel and boulders from the Magat River. Officially declared as the town’s festivity in 2013 through Sangguniang Bayan Resolution No. 045-2013-A, it proudly showcases how Luna transforms its natural resources into vibrant artistic and cultural expressions. This year’s festival highlights stone-inspired artworks, community exhibits, and performances that reflect Luna’s creativity and identity. Don’t miss the exciting events this September 26–28, 2025, including the Search for Ginoong Luna 2025, the Bato Art Exhibit & Kadiwa ng Pangulo, Luna’s Got Talent, and the Street Dance & Showdown Competition. (Isabela Tourism Office)    

By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — Nueva Vizcaya Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito has ordered stricter and even-handed enforcement of Republic Act 8794’s anti-overloading provisions along the Maharlika (Pan-Philippine) Highway, directing intensified inspections at the Calitlitan Weigh Bridge Station in Aritao. The composite team stationed there is composed of personnel from the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and the Land Transportation Office (LTO). Gambito earlier requested that the provincial government be allowed to co-manage the team. The Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue cum Consultation on Traffic Management in Nueva Vizcaya and Region 02, held at the Ammungan Hall, Provincial Capitol, is an offshoot of the Traffic Management Provincial Summit initiated by the Provincial Government of Nueva Vizcaya (PGNV) during the first quarter of this year. The activity was attended by various national agencies, including the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), DPWH, PNP, LTO, and the Department of Economy,Planning and Development(DEPDev-former NEDA). Speaking at the forum, Gambito said overloaded trucks have figured in accidents and road blockages that cause hours-long congestion, particularly in Diadi and Sta. Fe. He added that excessive loads speed up pavement deterioration, leading to frequent DPWH reblocking, and that persistent traffic jams are hurting the province’s image, tourism, and food security. He noted that Nueva Vizcaya is increasingly being labeled the “traffic capital” because of recurring heavy traffic—driven in large part by overloaded trucks merely passing through from other provinces. Cagayan Governor Edgar B. Aglipay, joining via Zoom, proposed a unified ordinance among Region 02 provinces requiring slow-moving vehicles to keep to the outer lane while faster-moving vehicles use the inner lane to maintain traffic flow. He noted that when slow-moving trucks occupy the inner lane especially while climbing uphill terrain—their speed drops significantly, forcing following vehicles to slow down and worsening congestion. Police officials cited vehicular accidents including some involving overloaded trucks, seasonal surges in vehicle volume, counterflowing, and slow-moving trucks as primary drivers of heavy traffic on the Maharlika Highway, especially in Diadi and Sta. Fe. In response, the PNP said that, in coordination with the provincial government and contractors, it is implementing traffic schemes that include deploying additional flagmen at ongoing road construction sites, assigning more PNP personnel to manage traffic, installing median barriers and precautionary traffic signages, and deploying the Reactionary Standby Support Force (RSSF) on motorcycles to serve as sweepers to help clear obstructions and restore traffic flow. A follow-up meeting will be scheduled to continue discussions, with department heads and the governors of Cagayan and Isabela expected to attend; the truckers’ association and other key stakeholders will also be invited to participate.

By Rachel Magday   DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon pledged to dispatch a technical team to study several Nueva Vizcaya road proposals raised by Rep. Timothy Joseph E. Cayton during deliberations on the DPWH’s proposed budget before the House Committee on Appropriations. The proposals include reclassifying the Dupax del Norte–Dupax del Sur–Alfonso Castañeda Road as a tertiary national road and constructing an underpass or overpass at major congestion points in Bambang and Bayombong. On pedestrian safety and traffic flow, Cayton pushed for an underpass or overpass near King’s College in Bambang and the Region 2 Trauma and Medical Center (R2TMC) in Bayombong; Dizon said his office will send a team to study the proposal. Cayton also requested a feasibility study to reclassify the Dupax del Norte–Dupax del Sur–Alfonso Castañeda Road as a tertiary national road, noting that residents and local officials of Alfonso Castañeda must currently transit another province to reach the provincial capital. Dizon committed to dispatching a technical team to assess the reclassification request. The congressman also questioned DPWH’s policy of replacing still-usable sections of the Maharlika Highway and urged the department to prioritize urgent needs such as farm-to-market roads. He also flagged heavy traffic in Sta. Fe and Diadi caused by overloaded trucks, proposing road widening, alternative routes or a bypass to ease congestion. The DPWH official told the committee that the Diadi road‑widening package is already up for award. Cayton said the measures are intended to ensure safer, faster and more efficient travel not only for Vizcayanos but also for residents of neighboring provinces, stressing Nueva Vizcaya’s role as a gateway to the Cagayan Valley.