By Rachel Magday   BAMBANG, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines — Five employees of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) Region 2 were arrested in an entrapment operation after allegedly accepting P40,000 in marked money in exchange for “unhampered operations” and the release of an impounded vehicle, on September 1. The joint operation by the Bambang Police Station, the Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Intelligence Unit and the Provincial Intelligence Team–Nueva Vizcaya, in coordination with DOTR–CAR and led by PMaj. Randy R. Velarde, took place at about 6 p.m. in front of the Baldovi Terminal Compound on Sulucan Street, Purok 1, Barangay Banggot, Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya. Police said the operation followed walk-in complaints filed at the Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Police Office, in which motorists alleged the suspects demanded P200,000 for the release of an impounded van or P25,000 as an outright settlement. After an initial transaction, the complainants said the group later agreed to collect P1,000 per unit and P2,000 per green-plate van as a monthly payoff in exchange for unhampered operations. Investigators prepared P40,000 in marked money—P6,000 in genuine bills and P34,000 in “boodle” or facsimile money—and set a meet-up at the location, police said. The suspects arrived aboard an LTO-issued Nissan Navara (plate SAA 9655). After the marked cash was handed over, operatives gave the prearranged signal and arrested the five “in flagrante delicto,” or caught red handed alleging violations of Republic Act 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act) and RA 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees). A search incidental to arrest, conducted in the presence of mandatory witnesses, yielded firearms, cash, mobile phones, IDs and other items, police said. Among the pieces of evidence logged: Two magazines, citation tickets, a driver’s license with photocopy of official receipt, a pouch with two cellphones, cash and IDs One caliber .45 pistol loaded with a magazine and seven live rounds, a wallet with IDs, and cash Cash in various denominations, two cellphones, and a wallet with IDs One touchscreen cellphone One caliber .45 pistol with magazine and five live rounds; one Glock 29 (9mm) pistol with three magazines and 21 live rounds; a sling bag with IDs, receipts, a wallet and cash; six genuine P1,000 bills ;34 pieces of boodle money; one plastic sachet containing suspected shabu weighing about 0.69 gram with an estimated value of P4,692; two pipe tubes; two disposable lighters; one inside holster; and one LTO badge. Other items listed as recovered included a sling bag with a wallet and P16,000 cash; a belt bag with P31,500 cash; a green bag with P20,300 cash; and four touchscreen cellphones. The suspects were brought to the Bambang Police Station for disposition and documentation. Police said appropriate complaints for alleged violations of RA 3019 and RA 6713 will be prepared, with other possible charges to be determined based on the seized firearms and the suspected illegal drugs pending verification and examination. Authorities said the operation is part of the Philippine National Police’s intensified anti-criminality drive under Enhanced Managing Police Operations and the PNP chief’s 7-point agenda. All five suspects remain presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

Gatchalian inaugurates 8 KALAHI-CIDSS projects By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian committed expanded assistance to the province of Nueva Vizcaya, announcing additional funds for crisis support, livelihood programs and prepositioned relief during a meeting with provincial and municipal officials held at the lobby of the Carlos M. Padilla Convention Center, on August 28.   “ The farther you are, the smaller the province is, the more that you need the national government,” Gatchalian said, adding he understands the needs of remote provinces and upland towns, having served as a local chief executive for nine years. Gatchalian said the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will release additional funding for the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program. The funds, he said, will be downloaded directly to the provincial government for allocation to Nueva Vizcaya’s municipalities under Gov. Atty. Jose V. Gambito’s oversight. He added that DSWD will also extend support to the province’s congressional district through Rep. Atty.Timothy Joseph E. Cayton. The secretary said the agency will earmark more resources for the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) in the province. He urged the provincial government to provide a warehouse that DSWD would stock with relief goods for rapid deployment during disasters. Gatchalian thanked the provincial government for providing a provincial office for DSWD Nueva Vizcaya, and he lauded the turnout of local leaders at the meeting. “Very rare that the three main characters in public service are all together,” he said, referring to the presence of the congressman, governor and vice governor. Majority of the board members and mayors were also in attendance. Gov. Gambito and Cong. Cayton both expressed gratitude to the DSWD for its continuing assistance to the province. The support, according to them is a huge help to Nueva Vizcaya residents especially those in remote upland and disaster-prone areas and the additional AICS and SLP funds, along with prepositioned relief goods, will help families meet urgent needs, sustain livelihoods and recover more quickly after calamities. Earlier in the day, Gatchalian led the inauguration of eight projects under the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan–Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) in Barangay Tiblac, Ambaguio. KALAHI-CIDSS is a national poverty-alleviation program that uses a community-driven development approach, empowering communities to identify, manage and implement projects that address their most pressing needs. The secretary also met with beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and with municipal links implementing the program at the local level. In Bambang town, he oversaw an SLP payout to 156 beneficiaries amounting to P3 million. AICS provides financial support to individuals and families facing crises such as illness, death in the family or emergencies, while SLP funds microenterprise and employment interventions for poor households.

By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito met with officials of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) on August 28, to align ongoing and upcoming programs that support the reintegration of former rebels and strengthen peacebuilding efforts in the province. Discussions focused on an upcoming partnership between the provincial government and OPAPRU covering infrastructure projects—particularly road improvement in former insurgency-affected areas—and scholarship programs for the children of former rebels. Gov. Gambito also committed provincial support for a national trade fair in Metro Manila that will feature products from former rebel associations across the country, with Nueva Vizcaya’s associations set to participate. The OPAPRU delegation was led by BGen. Ramon C. Yogyog (Ret.), Regional Adviser on Peace and Security for Region II, with Mr. Jerome A. Padilla, Area Manager of the Area Management Unit–Northern Luzon; Mr. Adenis B. Bringas, ARCA Coordinator; Mr. Alex Berigundo, Head of the Local Amnesty Board; Mr. Redgie A. Gallardo, Area Coordinator for Northern Luzon; and Ms. Lamie K. Sagulo, Administrative Officer. Also present were DILG Provincial Director Catherine Alam Miranda, PSWD representative Jane Pumaras, SWAD–Nueva Vizcaya Team Leader Fernando Bainto, Provincial Warden Carmelo Andrada, and PPDO Head Engr. Edgardo Sabado. Both sides reviewed existing reintegration and community-support initiatives and identified areas for tighter coordination to accelerate delivery of services to returnees and their families. Many former rebels have already received livelihood assistance from the national government, continued monitoring is needed to ensure these resources are properly used to rebuild and improve beneficiaries’ livelihoods as they return to mainstream society. The planned infrastructure investments aim to improve access to markets, social services, and livelihood opportunities in communities transitioning from conflict, while the scholarship component seeks to expand educational opportunities for qualified beneficiaries. OPAPRU, the Philippine government agency responsible for managing and implementing the comprehensive peace process, said the collaboration with the provincial government is intended to foster reconciliation and unity while sustaining gains in local peace and security.        

NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — Nueva Vizcaya Rep. Timothy Joseph E. Cayton has filed House Bill No. 3715 to give financial aid to underprivileged graduates who will take professional licensure and Bar exams, saying success should depend on merit, not money. Called the Financial Assistance for Future Professionals Act, the bill would provide a one-time P10,000 review grant and an exam fee subsidy to qualified first-time takers of the Professional Regulation Commission’s board exams and the Bar examination. The aid targets Filipino graduates who are academically qualified but lack funds. Cong. Cayton said the proposal aims to level the playing field for aspiring professionals and help the country produce more teachers, nurses, engineers, lawyers and other licensed practitioners. He added that broadening the nation’s pool of professionals would strengthen the workforce and contribute to overall development. HB 3715 will be referred to the appropriate House committees for hearings. Details on eligibility, implementation and funding will be set during the committee process. (Rachel Magday)  

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.