Cabagan’s little bookworms just got their new favorite hangout! The Hooked on Books (HOB) Library, a children’s reading hub, was launched today along with its affiliated reading program at Cabagan Science Elementary School (CSES) in Cabagan, Isabela. This is the first HOB Library in the province and the 24th nationwide, made possible through a partnership between the Local Government Unit of Cabagan and LINKS Philippines. Aside from children’s books, the library features murals painted by Cabagan virtual artists, depicting Pancit Cabagan, cornfields, migratory birds, Cabagan Square Park carousel, and the late congressman and former Isabela vice governor Rodolfo B. Albano Jr., or “Tata Rudy,” the father of Governor Rodito T. Albano. Volunteers, school heads from the Schools Division Office (SDO) of Isabela, LGU Cabagan, barangay officials, the LINKS Philippines team, and parents worked together to prepare the library and organize activities for students and the community over the past two days. Provincial Administrator Atty. Christopher A. Mamauag commended LINKS Philippines for their efforts and expressed hope that the initiative would reach more communities nationwide.          

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan – Isinusulong ngayon ni Gobernador Edgar “Manong Egay” Aglipay ang “Bagong Pilipinas, Bagong Cagayan” kung saan lalamanin nito ang mga platapormang nakapaloob sa kanyang “One Cagayan”: E- Employment, Environment, & Energy: Empowering Cagayan’s Growth Engines G- Good Governance: Leadership with Integrity A – Agricultural Support: Strengthening the Province’s Backbone Y- Youth Development & Elderly Care: Investing Across Generations. Sa loob lamang ng tatlong araw mula nang isagawa ang kanyang oath-taking ay umabot na sa 14 bayan sa Cagayan ang kanyang nabisita. Pambihirang pagkakataon kung ituring ng karamihan ang pakikipag-daupang palad ni Gob. Aglipay sa mga lider sa bawa’t bayan sa Cagayan upang sila’y pagkaisahin para sa progresong hangad sa probinsiya. Personal siyang nakipagpulong sa mga alkalde, bise-alkalde, miyembro ng sangguniang bayan, kapitan, kabataan, school heads, at mga empleyado ng munisipiyo, Kabilang sa kanyang mga nabisita na ang mga bayan ng Amulung, Peñablanca, Iguig, Tuguegarao, Solana, Enrile, Lasam, Abulug, Ballesteros, Gonzaga, Sta. Teresita, Allacapan, Buguey, at Camalaniugan. Sa kanyang pakikipagdayalogo, iisa lamang ang kanyang pakiusap sa mga lider, ito ay ang pagkakaisa at ang pagsantabi sa mga nabuong hidwaan at alitan. “Tama na please. Tama na. Ayaw kong maging governor, 77 na ako, nandito lang ako para ayusin na ang lahat,” pakiusap ni Gob. Aglipay. Matatandaang maging sina 1st District Congressman Ramon Nolasco Sr. at 2nd District Congresswoman Baby Aline Vargas – Alfonso ay dumalo rin sa oath-taking at inagurasyon ng gobernador. “Tanging si 3rd District Joseph “Jojo” Lara lamang ang hindi nakadalo dahil ito ay kasalukuyang nasa ibang bansa. Magkasama na rin kami ni Aline at Ramon. Si Jojo sana magkita rin kami at mag-usap para maayos na ang lahat at magsama na rin kami,” ani Gob. Aglipay. Naniniwala ang gobernador na kung nagkakaisa ang lahat ng mga lider sa Cagayan ay maipatutupad sa madaling panahon ang kanyang binuong plataporma at programang nakabase sa “Bagong Pilipinas” ni Pang. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. Ang kanyang mga adhikaing ito ay nakatuon sa pag-angat ng ekonomiya ng lalawigan na magpapaunlad sa kabuhayan ng bawa’t isang Cagayano. Ayon kay Gob. Aglipay, ipupusta niya ang kanyang buhay para magkaisa ang lahat at titiyaking maisasakatuparan ang lahat ng kanyang ninanais sa mga Cagayano lalo’t sa kanyang administrasyon ay magkasundo ang executive at legislative na pamumunuan ni Bise Gobernador Manuel Mamba. “Nakitak ti rigat dagiti adda iti baba isu nga um-umayak ditoy makipatang nga agtitimpuyug tayun. Didtoy nakun Cagayan, ipustak ti biyag ko para kanya yu. Awan ti sabali nga interes ko nu haan nga pagkaykaysaen kayu. Kaya tayu nga parang-ayen ti biyag ti Cagayano nu agtitimpuyog tayu,” mensahe ni Gob. Aglipay. Nangako rin ang gobernador, na mararamdaman ng bawa’t Cagayano ang pagbabago sa Cagayan sa ilalim ng kanyang administrasyon. Sinisiguro niyang matututukan ang lahat ng sektor lalo ang suportang kailangan ng mga magsasaka at pagpapalakas sa mga kabataan. “Pagserbiyan kayu amin. Immayak ditoy [Cagayan] ta pagserbiyak ti mannalon ken mangngalap, dagiti marigrigat,” ani Gob Aglipay. Aasahan din sa kanyang administrasyon ang maraming trabaho para sa Cagayano dahil sa itatayong maraming negosyo sa probinsiya. “Ito ang masasabi ko sainyo, lahat ng ipapatayo kong negosyo sa Cagayan ang 5% ng net income ko after ng report sa BIR ibibigay ko sa mga Cagayano,” pangako ng gobernador. Nakatakda rin ang pagbisita ng gobernador sa iba pang bayan para hikayatin din ang iba pang mga lider sa kanyang hinahangad na pagkakaisa. (Reden De los Santos)      

By Rachel Magday   Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito called for unity, integrity, and a people-first approach in governance during a courtesy visit by the members of the 12th Sangguniang Panlalawigan to his office today,July 3. The delegation, led by Vice Governor Eufemia Ang Dacayo, included all regular and ex-officio members of the provincial board. The visit was a gesture of support and solidarity with the governor’s administration. In his remarks, Governor Gambito appealed to the board members to act with honesty and always consider the welfare of the people above all else. “I urge you to be honest with yourselves. If a proposal is truly for the benefit of our people, I ask for your support,” he said. “I will never request any legislative action from the Sangguniang Panlalawigan unless it serves the best interests of the Novo Vizcayanos. I assure you, I will not seek funds for projects that only serve my political interests.” Gambito also emphasized the importance of setting aside political differences for the greater good. “We may not always share the same political alignments, but I hope this will not stop us from supporting programs that will benefit our province,” he said. He further encouraged the board members to make decisions based on their conscience and not on external influences. “Please do not let anyone sway your judgment. Act according to your conscience. If we disagree because of our differing perspectives, I understand—that is democracy. But if our differences are simply because we are not political allies, that would be disappointing, because it is the people who will ultimately suffer,” Gambito stated. “The people have entrusted us with the opportunity to serve. Let us use this chance wisely and work together for the benefit of our constituents,” he added. “Let us not waste the opportunity that has been given to us. We will not be here forever—so let us do what is right while we still have the chance, so that when our time is over, we will have no regrets about how we served.” The courtesy call reflected a renewed commitment among provincial leaders to uphold Governor Gambito’s advocacy for unity, integrity, and genuine public service for the continued progress of Nueva Vizcaya.

By Rachel Magday   Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito spearheaded a series of inauguration ceremonies for various development projects in several towns across the province, all funded through the provincial government. On June 26, Governor Gambito, together with Board Members Leonard Clemens L. Cadoy and Emerlene Jane G. Martinez, and Mayor Neil S. Magaway, inaugurated the newly constructed stage and the newly rehabilitated barangay gymnasium of Barangay Biruk in Dupax del Sur. The following day, June 27, Governor Gambito led the blessing and inauguration of a 430-meter farm-to-market road at Sitio Addon, Barangay Pingiian, Kayapa. The project, implemented by the Provincial Agriculture Office, was allocated a budget of 2 million pesos under the “Ti Kalsada Ti Kabanbantayan” program of Governor Gambito. Today, July 2, Governor Gambito together Ms. Desiree D. Baldevino, External Affairs and Social Performance Manager of OceanaGold Philippines and the barangay officials led the blessing and inauguration of the Pogonsino Health Station and the Barangay Pogonsino Multipurpose Building. The multipurpose building was completed in two phases—Phase 1 funded by the Barangay Local Government Unit (BLGU) and Phase 2 by the Provincial Local Government. The health station, meanwhile, was funded with 3 million pesos under the Community Development Fund of OceanaGold Philippines, featuring a health station on the first floor and a multipurpose hall on the second floor. Governor Gambito emphasized the provincial government’s commitment to delivering essential services and infrastructure to various communities, aiming to improve the quality of life for residents throughout Nueva Vizcaya.

By Rachel Magday   Atty. Jose V. Gambito was formally sworn in as Governor of Nueva Vizcaya on Monday, pledging to build on the province’s recent gains and continue championing inclusive development in his first full term as the province’s chief executive. The oath-taking ceremony was held at the Carlos M. Padilla Convention Center, where Governor Gambito was joined by Congressman Atty. Timothy Joseph E. Cayton, Vice Governor Eufemia Ang Dacayo, and members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan in taking their oaths. Several municipal officials also took their oaths during the event, including Diadi Mayor Sandy Gayaton, Vice Mayor Rolito Dulnuan, and members of their Sangguniang Bayan, as well as Councilors Ricardo L. Bonus and Atty. Mark Joel P. Balgos of Bambang. In a show of unity, Congressman Cayton and Vice Governor Dacayo both committed to working closely with Governor Gambito to ensure the continuous progress and prosperity of Nueva Vizcaya. The two officials expressed their full support for the governor’s vision and programs, emphasizing the importance of cooperation among the province’s leaders for the benefit of all Vizcayanos. In his message, Governor Gambito expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support he received in the recent elections, which he described as a “testament to your trust.” He recounted his rise to the governorship in 2023, following the untimely passing of then-Governor Carlos M. Padilla, and reflected on the challenges and apprehensions he faced during his initial months in office. “The warm embrace of our people, the openness to new ideas, and the responsiveness to our flagship projects gave me confidence to move forward,” Gambito said, highlighting the province’s achievements under his leadership. He cited Nueva Vizcaya’s insurgency-free status, its elevation to a first-class province, and its ranking as the second fastest-growing economy in the Philippines. The province also received its first-ever Seal of Good Local Governance from the Department of the Interior and Local Government. “These achievements are the fruits of our unity, the dedication of our provincial employees, and the transformation in the way we serve our people,” he said. Looking ahead, Gambito outlined a comprehensive agenda for his administration, including the continuation and expansion of infrastructure programs such as “Kalsada ti Kabanbantayan” and “Dalan ti Umili,” and the extension of the “Free WiFi ti Umili” initiative to all public schools. He also vowed to improve healthcare by equipping hospitals with modern facilities and expanding the reach of the Wellness Caravan to remote areas. The governor announced plans to reopen Bagabag Airport in coordination with the Department of Tourism to boost inter-regional tourism connectivity, and to extend incentives to senior citizens, including octogenarians and those aged 70 to 79. He reaffirmed his commitment to making Nueva Vizcaya an organic province, promoting renewable energy, and supporting local farmers through the establishment of a Palay Processing Center. “Our vision is a province that is progressive, inclusive, and resilient—a Nueva Vizcaya where no one is left behind,” Gambito said. Reflecting on his political journey, Gambito shared that he had run for governor three times before finally winning, attributing his eventual victory to “divine providence and the trust of the Vizcayanos.” “This is not just my victory, but a victory for all of us—for every Vizcayano who believes in honesty, hard work, and genuine service,” he concluded. The oath-taking ceremony was historic for Nueva Vizcaya, as it was the first time the three highest provincial officials took their oaths together in one venue. Notably, Cayton and Dacayo ran under Aksyon Demokratiko, while Gambito was elected under the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas–Nacionalista Party coalition, making their show of unity a significant milestone for the province.    

By Rachel Magday   A total of 283 residents in Nueva Vizcaya received land titles from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on June 25, granting them legal ownership and security over the land they have long occupied. The distribution of land titles took place at the Carlos M. Padilla Convention Center,Provincial Capitol as part of the DENR’s ‘One Stop Shop Caravan’ initiative. The program aims to fast-track the processing and awarding of titles for Alienable and Disposable (A&D) lands in the province. DENR Regional Executive Director Gwendolyn Bambalan and Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Engr. Giovanni Magat led the awarding ceremony, which was also attended by Vice Governor Eufemia Dacayo and Bayombong Mayor Antonio G. Bagasao. In addition to receiving their land titles, beneficiaries were provided with free sketch plans for their properties, further easing the process of land ownership. According to Engr. Magat, the titling program continues to cover remaining A&D lands in Nueva Vizcaya. Magat emphasized the importance of land titles in providing security to families who rely on these lands for their homes and livelihoods. He also expressed gratitude to the Registry of Deeds for facilitating the processing of the titles following the DENR’s survey and documentation. Although Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito was unable to attend the event due to an equally important engagement, he expressed his strong support for the DENR’s land distribution program. Governor Gambito has conveyed his appreciation for the agency’s dedication to promoting land security and environmental stewardship in the province. He reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that empower Novo Vizcayanos and protect the province’s natural resources. Vice Governor Dacayo also lauded the DENR and its partner agencies for their commitment to environmental protection and responsible land management in the province. The DENR said it will continue its land titling activities until all eligible lands in Nueva Vizcaya have been covered, aiming to empower more residents with legal proof of land ownership.      

By Rachel Magday   Authorities have officially concluded rescue and retrieval operations after recovering the bodies of three small-scale miners trapped inside a 400-meter-deep tunnel in Sitio Balcony, Barangay Runruno, Quezon. According to Barangay Captain John Babliing, the retrieval operation ended at around 2 a.m. today (June 26), after the decomposed remains of the victims were brought out. The miners were identified as Daniel Segundo Paggana, 47; Lipihon Ayudan y Bumulyad, 56; and Florencio Indopia y Napudo, 63, all residents of Barangay Runruno. Earlier, on June 25, volunteer rescuer John Philip Guinihid lost his life after being pulled out of the same tunnel. Guinihid and his friend Johnny Ayudan had entered the tunnel on the night of June 24 in an attempt to retrieve the body of Lipihon Ayudan, Johnny’s brother, who was among the miners trapped since the evening of June 23. Meanwhile, two other miners, Alfred Dulnuan and Joval Bantiyan, were rescued alive from the tunnel on June 24. Both had entered the site on June 23 together with Segundo, Indopia, and Ayudan. The rescue and retrieval operations were carried out by volunteer rescuers from the Runruno community, personnel from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), FCF Minerals Corp., OceanaGold Philippines, Inc., Lepanto Consolidated Mining Company, as well as barangay and municipal officials. 📷NVPPO

By Rachell Galamay-Cagayan PIO   TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan — Tiniyak ng Department of Education -Schools Division Office (SDO)-Cagayan na kanilang pagtutuunan ng pansin ang pagpapataas sa literacy and reading comprehension rate ng mga mag-aaral sa probinsiya. Sa ginanap na Oplan Balik Eskwela SY 2025-2026 Reporting Educational Progress and Outlining Reforms and Targets (PROJECT REPORT) Meeting, noong Hunyo 23, inihayag ni Schools Division Superintendent, Dr. Reynante Caliguiran na sa pagbubukas ng School Year 2025-2026, target nilang pataasin ang lebel ng pang-unawa,kakayahan sa pagbabasa, at pagbibilang ng mga estudyante lalo na sa elementarya. Ilan sa mga istratehiyang kanilang ipatutupad na siya ring inilatag ng DepEd Central Office ay ang pagtatalaga ng mga guro sa bawa’t baitang anuman ang kanilang ranggo upang matulungan ang mga estudyante na linangin ang kanilang pagbabasa at pang-unawa. “Una, nagbaba ang ating central office ng abiso na ang mga Master Teachers natin ay kailangan i-reassign sa current Grade level kung nasaan sila. Yung mga nasa Key Stage 1 (Grade 1,2,3) stay put sila, yung mga nasa Key Stage 2 ay inilagay natin sila sa Key Stage 1. Ilalagay natin sila kung saan sila mas kailangan at trained,” saad ni Dr. Caliguiran. Maliban sa reassigning at realignment ng mga guro, nakikita rin ng SDO Cagayan na makatutulong ang pagkakaroon ng sapat na learning resource materials at pagyakap sa digitalization upang makausad ang mga ito at magkaroon ng pagbabago. Kaugnay rito, lubos ang naging pasasalamat ng SDO Cagayan sa Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Cagayan sa pamumuno ni Governor Manuel Mamba dahil sa pagbibigay nito ng pondo at iba pang kagamitan gaya ng mga libro na mamagamit sa kanilang pagtuturo. Matatandaang sa isinagawang Functional Literacy, Education, and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS) ng Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) nasa 69.4% ang functional literacy rate sa buong Rehiyon Dos kung saan naitala ang Cagayan na may pinakamababang functional literacy rate kumpara sa ibang lalawigan. Ilan sa mga natukoy na salik na maaaring nakaapekto sa pagbaba ng literacy rate ng probinsiya ay ang labis na paggamit ng mga gadgets, online games, at iba pang online platforms at kawalan ng moral at emotional support ng mga magulang sa kanilang mga anak na maaaring nakaaapekto sa kanilang pag-aaral. Samantala, nanawagan naman si Amir Aquino, Public Affairs Officer ng DepEd Region 2 ng maigting na koordinasyon at kooperasyon hindi lamang sa mga ahensiya ng gobyerno nguni’t maging sa mga lokal na pamahalaan at magulang ng mga mag-aaral upang masolusyunan ang kinahaharap na problema hinggil sa pagbaba ng functional literacy rate ng probinsiya. “We are hoping a strong coordination with our stakeholders and also the parents of our students in Cagayan, dahil hindi lamang naman po dapat ang Kagawaran ang gumagalaw, naniniwala po ako na kapag tayo po ay gumalaw lahat at gumawa ng solusyon ay matutugunan po natin ang pangangailangan ng ating mga mag-aaral,” paliwanag ni Aquino