By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Region II has lauded the Nueva Vizcaya OFW Welfare Center for its role in connecting the agency with overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from the province, as the agency awarded livelihood and other assistance to more than 100 distressed migrant workers. OWWA Region 2 Reintegration Unit Head Alma Chavente said the provincial OFW center has become a crucial link for reaching Novo Vizcayano OFWs who experienced problems while working abroad. She noted that Nueva Vizcaya is currently the only province in the region with a center that serves both OFWs and their families, improving coordination and response times. Under the Balik-Pinas, Balik-Hanapbuhay program, qualified beneficiaries received up to P20,000 each in livelihood assistance to help them start small enterprises in their home communities. Recipients included OFWs repatriated from the Middle East who were affected by the ongoing crisis in the region. Chavente said some beneficiaries also received burial and medical assistance. Chavente added that beneficiaries previously completed Entrepreneurial Development Training provided by the Department of Trade and Industry to equip them with the skills needed to manage their chosen businesses. It can be recalled that even Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Undersecretary Atty. Bernard Olalia commended the provincial government for pioneering programs for OFWs, particularly its financial literacy and family support initiatives. Olalia described the measures as a model that other local government units may replicate and praised efforts to institutionalize support for migrant workers through the OFW Welfare Center and complementary family programs. Gov. Atty. Jose V. Gambito reiterated the provincial government’s unwavering support for OFWs, urging beneficiaries to “invest their earnings abroad wisely.” He highlighted the province’s financial literacy program as a key component of that support,to help OFWs and their families manage remittances responsibly, plan for sustainable livelihoods and avoid common financial pitfalls. “This program, together with livelihood grants and training, will help turn assistance into lasting financial stability for migrant workers’ families,” Gov. Gambito said.      

Governor cites unity as Key to Sustained Progress By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — Nueva Vizcaya Rep. Atty. Timothy Joseph E. Cayton on Monday renewed his support for the administration of Gov. Atty. Jose V. Gambito, saying his presence at the provincial government’s flag-raising ceremony signaled concrete backing for the governor’s leadership. “My presence in today’s flag-raising ceremony of the provincial government is an indication of my concrete support to the provincial government headed by Gov. Gambito,” Cayton said at the ceremony attended by provincial officials. Cayton said he has been closely monitoring the provincial government’s programs and activities and has sought to align his own initiatives with those efforts. He added that in his first nine months as congressman he has filed 43 House bills and resolutions intended to address the needs of Nueva Vizcaya residents and respond to contemporary challenges. Gambito thanked Cayton for his renewed support and framed the gesture as part of a broader unity among the province’s leaders. “Although we belonged to different political parties in the last election, we have come together as one for the sake of the people of Nueva Vizcaya,” the governor said. “Our priority is the welfare of our constituents, not partisan politics.” An advocate of unity since his return to the provincial government, Gambito said Nueva Vizcaya residents can expect sustained efforts to improve livelihoods and boost economic opportunities through continued solidarity among provincial officials.            

By Rachel Magday NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — The provincial government of Nueva Vizcaya has lined up ₱45.05 million worth of school building construction, rehabilitation, and improvement projects under its 2025 and 2026 Special Education Fund (SEF) allocations. The projects were presented by Provincial Engineer Jerry A. Tan during a recent meeting of the Provincial School Board. Of the total amount, ₱30 million has been allocated under the 2026 SEF for the construction of new school buildings in three municipalities. These include an ₱11-million one-storey, four-classroom calamity-resilient school building with comfort rooms in Bascaran, Solano; a ₱12.5-million two-storey, four-classroom calamity-resilient school building with comfort rooms in Dupax del Norte; and a ₱6.5-million one-storey, three-classroom calamity-resilient school building with comfort rooms in Kasibu. Meanwhile, projects funded under the 2025 SEF amounting to ₱12.5 million are also ongoing. These include a ₱5.5-million one-storey, two-classroom calamity-resilient school building with comfort rooms at Catarawan Elementary School in Kasibu; a ₱2-million two-storey, eight-classroom calamity-resilient senior high school building at Solano National High School in Quirino, Solano; a ₱2-million one-storey, seven-classroom calamity-resilient building with comfort rooms, Phase II, in Tubungan, Kayapa; and a ₱3-million one-storey calamity-resilient building with comfort rooms, Phase II, at Nagbitin Alternative Learning School in Villaverde. In addition, ₱1.8 million has been earmarked for the repair and improvement of a three-classroom Marcos-type building at Bintawan North Elementary School in Villaverde, while ₱750,000 has been set aside for the Phase II construction of four comfort rooms with water supply at Diadi National High School. Tan said the projects are intended to improve educational facilities and provide safer, more resilient learning spaces for students and teachers across the province. Gov. Atty. Jose V. Gambito has repeatedly underscored the importance of investing in education as part of preparing Novo Vizcayano youth to become productive contributors to the province’s future.future of Nueva Vizcaya. He said the school infrastructure program forms part of the provincial government’s continuing effort to provide young people with better learning environments and stronger opportunities for development.

By Rachel Magday   SOLANO, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines — Police authorities arrested 26 individuals during an operation against illegal online cockfighting, or e-sabong, at the Solano Cockpit Arena in Barangay Roxas on April 12, 2026. Police identified several of those arrested as online livestream operators and a cockpit arena supervisor. The suspects included residents of Nueva Ecija, Baguio City, and Solano, Nueva Vizcaya. The operation was launched following reports of illegal gambling activities in the area and was led by the Solano Police Station under PMAJ John Anthony S. Sanchez, in coordination with several police and intelligence units. Investigators said the group is also being linked to a similar illegal e-sabong operation at New Ayaga Cockpit Arena in Abulug, Cagayan on April 11, 2026. The reported connection is now under investigation as part of the case build-up. Seized during the operation were ₱616,250 in cash believed to be betting money, betting tickets and receipts, three computer sets, five cellphones, four internet routers, two LED monitors, and other equipment allegedly used in the illegal activity. The suspects are now in the custody of the Solano Police Station and are expected to face charges for violating Presidential Decree No. 1602 and Republic Act No. 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012            

By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — The total market value of real properties in Nueva Vizcaya rose to P155.89 billion in 2025, with 290,657 registered properties boosting the province’s revenue base, according to the Provincial Assessment Office. Gov. Atty. Jose V. Gambito said the increase signals steady growth and growing investor and public confidence. “The increasing value of real properties in Nueva Vizcaya reflects the province’s steady growth and the rising confidence of our people and investors. More importantly, it strengthens our capacity to deliver better services through a fair and transparent real property assessment system,” he said. Acting Provincial Assessor Salvador G. Aquino said projected real property tax collections for 2025 reached P299.18 million, highlighting the importance of property-based revenues for provincial services. Office records showed 13,090 assessment-related documents — including tax declarations, certified true copies, and property certificates — were issued in 2025, generating P1.09 million in fees. The office also approved 8,897 new tax declarations for subdivisions, transfers and improvements, yielding P1.03 million in transfer tax collections. Aquino said updating the Schedule of Market Values (SMV) remains a top priority. The proposed 2027 SMV has been posted on bulletin boards, social media and the provincial website in compliance with Republic Act No. 12001. Public consultations are scheduled for April 7 and 13, 2026, with business groups, property owners, farmers, local governments and revenue offices invited to attend. The Provincial Assessment Office and the Provincial Treasury are preparing a Real Property Tax Compliance and Impact Study for the Department of Finance’s approval. The study will review taxpayer compliance, revenue implications and possible socioeconomic effects, and its findings will help the Sangguniang Panlalawigan set assessment levels. Aquino said the province is also preparing for a general revision of real property assessments in 2027 to keep valuations current and aligned with market conditions. Aquino, also reported that province ranked first in Cagayan Valley in real property tax collection efficiency and total locally sourced revenues. He announced the recognition during Monday’s flag-raising ceremony, saying the province also placed third in the growth of assessed property values from 2020 to 2024 and in overall local revenues. Aquino said Nueva Vizcaya ranked second in the timely and accurate submission of real property assessment reports, including for the first quarter of 2024, before rising to first in the second, third and fourth quarters. The province also received recognition for its Outstanding Focal Persons for fiscal year 2024. “These achievements reflect our sustained efforts to strengthen database management, improve assessment services, and uphold the integrity of our property records,” Aquino said. Gambito said the awards underscore the contribution of assessment personnel to the province’s revenue generation and public service delivery. “These recognitions are a testament to the dedication and professionalism of our assessment personnel. Their work directly contributes to strengthening our revenue base, which in turn allows us to deliver better services and programs to our people,” Gambito said. He said the provincial government remains committed to transparency, efficiency and innovation in governance.

By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — The provincial government of Nueva Vizcaya is seeking technical assistance from Catalyste+ for the sustainable development of Bagabag Airport, a priority initiative of Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito aimed at boosting tourism, improving connectivity, and spurring economic growth in the province. The request was presented by Provincial Tourism and Culture Officer Marichelle O. Costales during a recent meeting with representatives of Global Affairs Canada, the Embassy of Canada, and Catalyste+. Among those present were Mourad Graidia of Global Affairs Canada; Simon Snoxell of the Embassy of Canada; Jane Imai, senior program manager for Asia at Catalyste+ International Services; and Yen Ton, monitoring, evaluation and learning officer for Vietnam and the Philippines. Costales said the province is seeking support for a viability assessment and the preparation of an investment concept for the airport project, as well as an investor and commercial partner engagement strategy. She said the provincial government aims to attract aviation schools, tourism-related enterprises, food and beverage operators, logistics providers, and other businesses compatible with airport operations. Judith Asuncion, head of the Provincial Cooperative and Enterprise Development Office (PROCEDE), said the proposal has already been recommended for approval by Catalyste+ Philippines and forwarded to the organization’s main office in Canada for final review. PROCEDE is the provincial government’s lead office in coordinating Catalyste+-supported projects in Nueva Vizcaya. Gambito said the activation of Bagabag Airport remains one of his administration’s key priorities. “The activation of Bagabag Airport is one of our key priorities because it will not only boost tourism in Nueva Vizcaya, but also help drive the local economy, create more opportunities for our people, and improve connectivity not only in Cagayan Valley but even to neigboring regions”, the governor said. He also thanked Catalyste+ for its continued support for the province’s development initiatives. Catalyste+ has been a long-time partner of the Nueva Vizcaya provincial government. Among their joint undertakings is the province’s designation as the sole provincial pilot area for Catalyste+’s three-year iLEAD program from 2026 to 2028. The program includes the establishment of an information technology hub, food security and climate-smart agriculture interventions, and strengthened engagement with civil society organizations. Catalyste+ also provided technical assistance for the feasibility study of the provincial government’s proposed rice processing center, another flagship initiative now being pursued by the province. Funded by Global Affairs Canada, Catalyste+ provides technical assistance, capacity building, and investment facilitation to support private sector-led and inclusive economic growth in partner countries. Its services include market assessments, project development, and stakeholder engagement.      

By Rachel Magday   SOLANO, Nueva Vizcaya — The provincial government honored outstanding youth programs and films promoting adolescent health during the Pammadayaw Excellence Awards for CineKabataan and the Information and Service Delivery Network (ISDN) on March 26 at the Highlander Hotel. The event, organized by the Population Division in partnership with the Public Affairs Infornation and Assistance Division(PAIAD) under the Office of the Governor, was attended by Ms. Theresa C. Soriano, regional director of the Cagayan Valley Commission on Population and Development; former governor Ruth R. Padilla; Board Members LC L. Cuaresma and Emerlene Jane Galanta Martinez; and Alvin Paul G. Basco , consultant to the Office of the Governor, who represented Gov. Atty. Jose V. Gambito. Gambito, who provided more than half a million pesos in funding for the initiative and awards, said, “When we empower our youth with the right information, support, and opportunities, we help them build a healthier and brighter future.” In the CineKabataan Makaindag filmmaking contest, The Frontier Film Production of PLT College Inc. swept major honors, taking Best Film, Best Picture, Best Cinematography, Best Screenplay and Best Advocacy Film. Toni Faye Duerme was named Best Director; Jeremiah Beniña and Rachelle Bongol won Best Actor and Best Actress. “Tinig Arkitektura” of Saint Mary’s University received the Best Social Impact Award. The contest, themed “Choices and Consequences,” is part of the MAKAINDAG project — a Gaddang phrase meaning “It Can Wait” — which promotes responsible decision-making and addresses teenage pregnancy. In the ISDN awards, Villaverde was named Best ISDN for Adolescent Health and Development while the towns of Quezon Kayapa, Aritao, Diadi and Bayombong were recognized for Most Innovative and Functional ISDNs. Alfonso Castañeda, Ambaguio, Bagabag, Bambang, Dupax del Norte, Dupax del Sur, Kasibu, Santa Fe and Solano were cited for maintaining Functional ISDNs. Fifteen municipal local government units participated in the assessment of Teen Centers, designated safe spaces that provide adolescents with health services, information and support. Elvira Tongson, head of the Provincial Population Division, said teenage pregnancy remains a serious public health and social concern in underserved communities, driven by limited access to accurate reproductive health information, cultural taboos and the lack of youth-friendly platforms. She added that MAKAINDAG and stronger ISDNs aim to help adolescents make informed choices, stay focused on education and personal growth, and delay early pregnancy.

By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines – Nueva Vizcaya reopened its skies to paragliding on Friday, April 3, with the launch of the “Skyridge” take-off site in Barangay Tiblac, Ambaguio, ending a two-year lull in organized flying activities. The event, dubbed the “Grand Re-Awakening,” formally revived paragliding operations in the province and signaled its renewed push as an adventure tourism destination. Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito led the inauguration rites alongside Department of Tourism Regional Director Troy Alexander G. Miano, Ambaguio Mayor Ronelio B. Danao, and paragliding pioneer Violet Lucasi. The Skyridge site will host organized flights and competitions, with landing designated at Green Lake View Adventure Park in Barangay Masoc, Bayombong. Lucasi said activities lined up for the reopening include the Skymazing Race, a solo flight competition, tandem flights, and a target-landing contest. Pilots from South Korea, Indonesia, and Germany joined the event, highlighting its growing international appeal. Governor Gambito said the relaunch is expected to boost local tourism, create economic opportunities for hospitality and outdoor recreation enterprises, and expand Nueva Vizcaya’s reach among both domestic and international adventure travelers. He added that establishing a paragliding pilot school in the province is a priority initiative under his administration. The program aims to develop local talent, professionalize training, and strengthen safety standards as Nueva Vizcaya builds its air sports industry.

By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — The 2026 Grand Ammungan Festival (GAF), the annual founding anniversary celebration of the province, will be compressed into a one-day event from its original five-day schedule, in line with a belt-tightening directive from Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito, as the provincial government moves to conserve funds and redirect savings into financial assistance for sectors severely affected by the ongoing fuel price crisis linked to global tensions in the Middle East. Festival Director General Eunice Galima -Gambol said the decision reflects a broader austerity program aimed at ensuring that public resources are used prudently while addressing the immediate needs of Novo Vizcayanos grappling with rising costs of basic commodities and transportation. Originally scheduled from May 20 to 25, the Grand Ammungan Festival was set to feature major crowd-drawing events such as the Travel and Tourism Expo, the Saniata ti Nueva Vizcaya pageant, Street Dancing Competition and a grand concert. The downsizing marks a significant shift in what has traditionally been one of the province’s biggest annual celebrations. In her official statement, Gambol underscored that the move was reached after careful deliberation and anchored on principles of unity, prudence, and fiscal discipline. “This will be a modest but meaningful celebration to commemorate the history and spirit of our great province,” she said, noting that her role as a public servant compels her to prioritize the welfare of the people over festivities. She added that resources saved from the scaled-down event would be channeled to critical programs and aid initiatives, particularly for vulnerable sectors bearing the brunt of the economic strain. While the announcement confirms the shift to a one-day observance of the province’s foundation anniversary, Gambol did not specify which activities from the original lineup will be retained or adapted for the condensed program. Despite the scaled-down celebration, Gambol assured the public that the essence of the Grand Ammungan Festival—honoring the rich cultural heritage and unity of Nueva Vizcaya—will remain at the forefront. Gambol also called on residents to remain resilient and united as the province navigates the challenges posed by global economic pressures.