By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines —Gov. Jose V. Gambito has endorsed a ₱10.2-million funding request for the production of a full length feature film that will showcase Nueva Vizcaya’s history, culture and communities, with the proposed amount to be released in three tranches tied to project milestones. The film will be directed by internationally acclaimed filmmaker Mes de Guzman, a native of Aritao, and produced by Rhea Operaña. It will be shot entirely on location in Nueva Vizcaya. The project is described as a modern retelling of the 1973 film “Nueva Vizcaya” which stars Zaldy Shornack,Vic Vargas and Eddie Garcia. It follows a Filipino man’s search for identity through the province’s history, culture and people. The concept was first developed during the administration of the late Gov. Carlos M. Padilla. Gambito endorsed the proposal to the Local Finance Committee after meeting with de Guzman, Operaña, personnel of the Provincial Tourism and Culture Office, and Provincial Tourism Council Chair Ruth R. Padilla. He instructed the LFC to prioritize the search for funding for the project. Under the proposed disbursement schedule, 50 percent, or ₱5.1 million, would be released upon the signing of a memorandum of agreement. The first tranche would cover story and screenplay development, preproduction activities such as casting, rehearsals and production design, initial payments to talent and crew, location scouting and permits, equipment reservations and deposits, and the start of principal photography. A second tranche equivalent to 30 percent, or ₱3.08 million, would be released once production is 50 to 60 percent complete. The remaining 20 percent, or ₱2.05 million, would be released upon completion of the film and submission of the required production reports. Operaña said actors being considered for lead roles include John Lloyd Cruz, Jericho Rosales and Paolo Avelino. Final casting has yet to be determined. The production team is targeting a world premiere during the Ammungan Festival in 2027. It also plans to submit the film to international festivals to widen its exposure and promote Nueva Vizcaya’s talent, locations and cultural heritage. Marketing and distribution plans include pitching the film to streaming platforms such as Netflix, YouTube Premium, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+, as well as to traditional broadcasters and cable networks, including Cignal, GMA and Kapamilya Channel, Operaña said. Provincial Budget Officer Kristine Hernandez, who is also a member of the LFC, said the committee would look for possible funding sources for the project in line with the governor’s instruction to prioritize financing for the film. Gov Gambito said the project is intended not only as a cultural and cinematic endeavor but also as an economic driver that could attract film production and tourism investment to Nueva Vizcaya.

By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — The Nueva Vizcaya provincial government is investing ₱35 million to modernize the Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Jail (NVPJ), with Gov. Jose V. Gambito aiming to transform the facility into a rehabilitation and skills training center that equips persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) with livelihood opportunities and practical skills for successful reintegration into society. During a recent visit to the provincial jail, Gambito encouraged inmates to maintain good behavior, learn from their mistakes, and actively participate in programs designed to help them rebuild their lives. The governor acknowledged that people sometimes make wrong decisions and commit offenses but stressed that these mistakes should not be repeated. He encouraged the PDLs to pursue genuine reform not only for themselves but, more importantly, for their families. Gambito also urged them to remain steadfast in their faith in God, saying the difficulties they are experiencing are temporary and will eventually come to an end. He assured the PDLs that the provincial government is committed to a safer, more humane, and rehabilitation‑focused facility. Beyond physical upgrades, Gambito said the province will expand rehabilitation, livelihood, and skills programs so inmates can earn an income while serving their sentences and be better prepared for reintegration upon release. Provincial Warden Carmelo Andrada said the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has been providing vocational skills training to inmates. Some qualified PDLs have also benefited from employment opportunities under the Department of Labor and Employment’s Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program. Livelihood initiatives funded by the Office of the Governor likewise allow qualified inmates to engage in productive activities and earn additional income while serving their sentences. To further improve inmate welfare, the provincial government this year increased the daily food allowance for each PDL from ₱60 to ₱75, enabling the jail to provide more nutritious meals, Andrada said. The modernization program also includes ₱25 million for the renovation and improvement of the jail’s administration building, main facility, and housing areas for inmates. An additional ₱10 million has been approved for the construction of a new perimeter fence featuring a Spanish-inspired, Intramuros-style design. The provincial jail is also set to receive a new multipurpose vehicle to enhance its operations and transportation services. Andrada thanked Gambito for his continued support, saying it has helped improve conditions at the provincial jail.. He said these initiatives will help transform the Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Jail into a secure, humane, and rehabilitation-oriented facility where persons deprived of liberty can acquire valuable life and livelihood skills before returning to their families and communities.            

By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — Governor Jose V. Gambito led the release of more or less P50 million in financial assistance to various barangays across Nueva Vizcaya, reaffirming the Provincial Government’s commitment to supporting grassroots development through community-priority projects. During the awarding ceremony on July 15, Gambito encouraged barangay officials to ensure the proper and timely implementation of their respective projects so that residents can immediately benefit from the assistance provided by the Provincial Government. He underscored the importance of responsible stewardship of public funds, emphasizing that every project should be completed efficiently and in accordance with established government guidelines. The financial assistance will support priority projects identified by the barangay council based on the most pressing needs of their communities, according to Janice Dulagan, administrative assistant of the Financial Division of the Office of the Governor. Among the projects to be funded are the construction and improvement of farm-to-market roads, procurement of dump trucks, construction and rehabilitation of covered courts, installation of streetlights, and other infrastructure and community development initiatives. Dulagan said the amount allocated to each barangay varies depending on the approved project, with some barangays receiving up to ₱1.5 million for larger infrastructure undertakings. The GO Financial Division will continue to monitor project implementation and compliance with liquidation requirements to ensure the efficient and transparent utilization of public funds. Barangays are likewise encouraged to complete their projects within the agreed timeline to facilitate future funding requests and sustain the province’s development initiatives. Gov Gambito said the funds released to various barangays forms part of his administration’s continuing efforts to strengthen local communities by financing projects that address infrastructure needs and improve public services across Nueva Vizcaya.            

By Rachel Magday   Nueva Vizcaya Rep. Timothy Joseph E. Cayton has filed House Bill No. 9885 seeking to grant a permanent monthly social pension of ₱1,000 to all qualified persons with disabilities (PWDs) nationwide, coinciding with this July’s observance of National Disability Rights Week. The measure proposes the creation of a permanent financial-assistance program to help PWDs meet basic needs and ease the economic burden on households. Under the bill, the monthly pension would be extended to all qualified PWDs regardless of their economic status or personal circumstances. “Many PWDs work hard every day despite the difficulties of their jobs. Some serve as their families’ breadwinners, so it is only fitting that they receive appropriate assistance,” Cayton said, underscoring the contributions of persons with disabilities to society and the need for sustained government support. “It is our duty to promote equality and ensure that no person with disability is left behind,” he added. Several PWD organizations welcomed Cayton’s proposal and urged lawmakers to expedite its passage, describing the measure as an important step toward strengthening social protection for the sector. House Bill No. 9885 will be referred to the appropriate committees for review and deliberation before it can proceed to plenary debates and votes.      

By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines —The provincial government of Nueva Vizcaya will roll out an ₱80-million rice assistance program within this quarter, providing a total of 60 kilograms of free rice to each of 30,000 vulnerable households across the province. The initiative, dubbed “Bagas ti Umili: Rice Support for Families,” will be implemented under the administration of Gov. Jose V. Gambito through funding from the Office of the President via the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s Local Government Support Fund–Financial Assistance to Local Government Units (LGSF-FALGU). Provincial Social Welfare and Development (PSWD) Officer Flordelina C. Granada, the program’s focal person, said the beneficiaries account for about 25 percent of the province’s vulnerable population.Qualified recipients include senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), solo parents, beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), and low-income workers. Each qualified household will receive a total of 60 kilograms of rice, to be distributed in staggered batches. Earlier, Gov. Gambito personally received the ₱80-million grant from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during an awarding ceremony at Malacañang. In addition to the free rice assistance, the provincial government has earmarked ₱13 million from its own funds to implement a localized version of the Marcos administration’s subsidized rice program. Dubbed “Bagas ti Umili: The People’s ₱20 Rice Project,” the initiative will deploy mobile rice outlets in barangays across Nueva Vizcaya, enabling qualified residents to purchase rice at ₱20 per kilogram. The Provincial Cooperative and Enterprise Development Office, headed by Juditte L. Asuncion, will oversee the implementation and operations of the subsidized rice program. Rice stocks will be sourced through Food Terminal Inc. and sold to eligible beneficiaries, including households with malnourished children, pregnant and lactating women, and families affected by disasters. To ensure the program’s sustainability, the provincial government will adopt a revolving fund scheme, using proceeds from rice sales to replenish stocks and expand distribution to additional barangays.

By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — Nueva Vizcaya strengthened its position in the country’s growing coffee industry after a local farmers’ cooperative and a homegrown brewing team won major awards in separate competitions. Gov. Jose V. Gambito led provincial officials in honoring the award-winning coffee producers and brewers during Monday’s flag-raising ceremony, recognizing their role in improving the quality and national profile of locally produced coffee. “These victories prove that Nueva Vizcaya has the talent, climate and communities needed to build a competitive coffee industry,” Gambito said. “The provincial government remains committed to supporting our growers, processors and brewers through training, market development and other programs that will help transform coffee into a sustainable source of income for our people.” The Tiblac Farmers Agriculture Cooperative, in Ambaguio represented by Joan Dulagan, won the Robusta category of the second North Luzon Coffee Quality Competition held in May in Baguio City. Organized by the Philippine Rural Development Project-North Luzon and the Department of Trade and Industry, the competition aimed to promote and improve the quality and market competitiveness of Northern Luzon coffee. It drew 65 entries, including six from Nueva Vizcaya. Tiblac’s Robusta scored 85.06 and earned a premium-grade rating for its rich flavor, aroma and smooth quality. Other Nueva Vizcaya entries also received premium-grade ratings. Nueva Vizcaya brewers likewise distinguished themselves during the Philippine Coffee Brewer League 2026–Nueva Vizcaya Leg, spearheaded by the Department of Trade and Industry and held on June 28 at Saint Mary’s University. The competition drew 16 teams from Nueva Vizcaya, Benguet, Isabela, Nueva Ecija, Tuguegarao, Zambales and Manila—the largest turnout in the league’s round-robin history. Nueva Vizcaya-based Loot & Brew of Felisa’s Grind and Brew emerged as champion. The team is composed of Mc Osmund Espejo, Justine San Juan and Christopher San Juan.

By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is accelerating its digital transformation to make government services faster, safer and more accessible to overseas Filipino workers and their families, OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne “PY” M. Caunan said. Speaking to local media during her visit here on July 7, Caunan said the agency’s modernization efforts are aimed at reducing processing time, improving welfare monitoring and ensuring that OFWs can access assistance whether they are in the Philippines or abroad. Caunan led the OFW Serbisyo Caravan in Nueva Vizcaya, the first OWWA-led caravan of its kind in the country, bringing together various national government agencies in one venue to make frontline services more accessible to migrant workers and their families. More than 2,000 OFWs and their family members availed themselves of government services during the caravan. She cited as among OWWA’s key initiatives the digital payment system for membership renewal through GCash, allowing OFWs anywhere in the world to pay directly to the government through the mobile app’s “Bills” feature. Caunan also highlighted the Kumusta Kabayan App, a digital welfare monitoring platform launched with the Department of Migrant Workers, which provides OFWs a faster channel for communication and emergency assistance. OWWA services have also been integrated into the e-Gov platform, streamlining membership processing and ID printing to cut waiting time for clients, she said. The agency is likewise offering free digital literacy and information technology training for OFWs and their dependents to improve employability and help migrant workers maintain communication with their families. Caunan said OWWA is also promoting better data management through cloud storage orientation, enabling OFWs to safely store, organize and access important documents. “Through modern technology, the processing of important documents of OFWs has become more secure and more organized,” Caunan said. During the event, Caunan commended the provincial government of Nueva Vizcaya, led by Gov. Jose V. Gambito, for its programs for migrant workers, including the establishment of an OFW Welfare Center that provides support services to OFWs and their families in the province. Gambito, for his part, declared Caunan an adopted daughter of Nueva Vizcaya in recognition of her efforts to bring OWWA programs and services closer to OFWs and their families.

By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — Determined to keep schools as safe havens for learning, the Provincial Government of Nueva Vizcaya has moved to strengthen its School Safety and Security Plan through a joint special meeting of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) and the Local School Board (LSB), led by Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito held at the Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Police Office(NVPPO). The meeting underscored the province’s firm commitment to protecting learners from threats to their safety, security, and well-being, while ensuring that every school remains a secure and conducive environment for education. Governor Gambito emphasized the urgent need for stronger, more coordinated, and proactive measures to safeguard students, stressing that schools must be places where learners can study, grow, and thrive without fear. The meeting was held amid growing national concern over school safety following recent incidents of violence in educational institutions, including the fatal shooting at a public high school in Tacloban City. These incidents have renewed calls for stricter campus security, stronger anti-bullying efforts, expanded mental health support, and a comprehensive review of school safety and emergency preparedness protocols. Among the initiatives approved during the meeting was the production of anti-bullying advocacy video clips aimed at promoting respect, discipline, empathy, and responsible behavior among students, while increasing awareness of the harmful effects of bullying. Governor Gambito vowed to protect every learner; together with partner agencies, the provincial government will keep Nueva Vizcaya’s schools safe, nurturing, and focused on learning. “We will do everything to make sure every child can learn without fear,” Gambito said.    

By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — A total of 1,227 solo parents from seven towns in the province received P5,000 each, totaling P6.135 million, in cash assistance from the provincial government. The beneficiaries came from Solano, Diadi, Villaverde, Bagabag, Bayombong, Bambang and Aritao, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Flordelina C. Granada said. Granada said the assistance was distributed under Project SUPPORT, or the Solo Parents’ Upliftment Program for Progress, Opportunities, Resources and Training. The program is funded through Project GAYYEM, short for “Gobierno A naaYat iYEg kadagiti Marigrigat,” a provincial government initiative intended to assist disadvantaged sectors. With the latest distribution, the province has now provided cash assistance to 2,284 solo parents from various municipalities, with total disbursements reaching more than P11.4 million, Granada said. Gov.Jose V. Gambito reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to helping solo parents, saying they carry a burden made heavier by the responsibility of raising and providing for their children alone. “Even couples where both spouses work still struggle to make ends meet. Yet you, as solo parents, shoulder your family’s daily needs on your own,” Gambito said. Joining Gov. Gambito at the payout were Vice Gov. Eufemia Ang Dacayo and members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. Beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the cash assistance, saying the support will help them meet daily expenses and urgent family needs.