By Rachel Magday   The provincial government of Nueva Vizcaya recently took a major step in its efforts to tackle traffic congestion by successfully hosting its first-ever Traffic Management Summit at the Ammungan Hall, Provincial Capitol, Bayombong,Nueva Vizcaya. The event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders from both the private and public sectors, all committed to finding effective solutions to the region’s traffic challenges. Organized by Provincial Warden Carmelo B. Andrada upon the instruction of Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito, the summit focused on addressing the pressing traffic issues along Daang Maharlika, particularly in the areas of Diadi and Sta. Fe. The discussions yielded a range of both long-term and short-term recommendations aimed at alleviating congestion. A key long-term solution proposed is the prioritization of a road widening project along Daang Maharlika, to be undertaken by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) before any road reblocking activities. Engr. Edwin Galano from the DPWH Region 2’s Planning and Design Division confirmed that funds have been allocated for the road widening in Diadi, scheduled for 2025. This initiative is expected to receive formal backing from the Sanggunian Panlalawigan through a forthcoming resolution to be sponsored by BM Florante S Gerdan. To combat the issue of vehicle overloading, the summit recommended the establishment of an additional weighbridge in Cordon, Isabela. Furthermore, it was suggested that a follow-up meeting be organized with regional directors from the Land Transportation Office (LTO), DPWH, and the Philippine National Police (PNP). This meeting will aim to clearly delineate the responsibilities of each agency in enforcing overloading laws. On the short-term front, participants agreed on the need to identify potential lay-by areas along Maharlika Highway. These areas would serve as temporary holding spots for overloaded trucks, thereby preventing them from contributing to traffic congestion. Additionally, the formation of a permanent emergency response team in Sta. Fe and Diadi was proposed. Comprising members from the PNP, LTO, DPWH, and the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), this team would be tasked with swiftly addressing traffic issues as they arise. Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito highlighted the significance of collaboration, saying, “While the provincial government has been working to ease traffic for some time, this summit represents a meeting of minds. There is a need to meet halfway and find win-win solutions for all stakeholders to ensure safer and more efficient roads for everyone in Nueva Vizcaya.” The summit concluded on a positive note, with participants signing a pledge of commitment to work collaboratively towards resolving the traffic challenges facing the province. This collective commitment underscores a shared vision for a more efficient and safer transportation network in Nueva Vizcaya.  

Camp Marcelo A Adduru, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan- Dalawang suspek na umano’y sangkot sa kidnapping incident ang naaresto ng mga tauhan ng Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Police Office at Anti-Kidnapping Group sa bayan ng Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya ngayong araw Enero 24. Tinukoy ng PNP ang dalawang suspek na sina alyas Johan, 30 taong gulang, walang asawa, AWOL Police Officer na may ranggong Patrolman; at alyas Fero, 36 taong gulang, walang asawa, at magsasaka. Ayon sa report na inilabas ng NVPPO, nagsagawa ng hot pursuit operation ang mga kapulisan ng NVPPO at PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group na nagresulta sa pagkakaaresto sa mga nabanggit na suspek. Ang mga suspek ay sangkot umano sa mga insidente ng kidnapping sa Pangasinan na nagresulta sa pagkakaaresto sa kanilang isang kasama, sa Sitio Gurel, Barangay Poblacion, Bokod, Benguet. Nakumpiska ng mga otoridad sa mga suspek ang isang unit ng Galil firearm na may serial number na 48172091 at dalawang magazines na may 29 live ammunitions; isang unit na Taurus short firearm na may 29 live ammunitions at tatlong magazines; assorted PNP uniforms; dalawang pirasong PNP Id; at isang unit ng gray Toyota HiAce Van, na may plakang UQQ 805. Ang mga suspek ay kakasuhan ng paglabag sa RA 10591 o Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act at Omnibus Election Code o gun ban. Pinuri ni PRO2 regional director Brig.Gen Antonio Marallag,Jr., ang mga kapulisan at operatiba sa matagumpay na operasyon. “Magsilbi sana itong babala sa mga nais pang magtangkang gumawa ng krimen sa Lambak ng Cagayan. Habang nalalapit ang halalan titiyakin nating mananatiling ligtas, payapa, at maayos ang ating rehiyon alinsunod sa mandato ng COMELEC” dagdag ni Marallag.    

Ms. Jarina K. Sandhu, a Filipino-Indian from Cauayan City, whom netizens noted bears a resemblance to Miss Universe 2021 Harnaaz Sandhu, was crowned Queen Isabela 2025 at the Capital Arena in the City of Ilagan, on January 23. She will represent the province of Isabela in Miss Universe Philippines 2025. “I’m excited to bring the whole Isabela to the Miss Universe [Philippines] stage,” she said. She added that she will advocate for no poverty and zero hunger, two of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Mhira Angelene P. Valenciano from Cordon clinched the title of Queen Isabela Tourism, while Johnlene E. Ariola from the City of Ilagan claimed the title of Queen Isabela Culture and the Arts. The first runner-up was Jhudiel Eunisse M. Taguinod, representing Echague, and the second runner-up was Criselle Anne Gregorio fromRamon. Other delegates who secured a spot in the Top 10 included Richimie A. Malsi from Santo Tomas, Ashlee B. Infante from Alicia, Hariette Joy M. Baquiran from Tumauini, Princess Daine S. Antolin from San Mateo, and Angel M. Gutierrez from Naguilian. Among the judges during the Grand Coronation Night, hosted by Rayver Cruz and Emma Tiglao, were world-renowned designer Albert Andrada, actress Angel Aquino, and Miss Universe 2013 3rd Runner-Up Ariella Arida. Courtesy Releases from Isabela PIO

By Rachel Magday   Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito is reinforcing his commitment to the marginalized communities of Nueva Vizcaya with the continuation of the TrPaTu (Trabaho para ti Umili) program, which also resonates with the Ilocano word “Taripato,” meaning “care” or “nurture.” This initiative, backed by a P25 million fund, aims to provide temporary employment to 5,000 disadvantaged and displaced workers across the province. Gambito expressed his dedication to uplifting the lives of his constituents, stating, “I want the people of Nueva Vizcaya to truly feel the support of their government as we work together to overcome poverty. This program is not just about financial assistance; it represents hope and opportunity for our community. The funds used for the TrPaTu program are sourced from the people themselves, embodying the principle of ‘kuarta ti umili para ti umili’—money of the people for the people. It’s about giving back to the community in ways that directly benefit them.” TrPaTu, envisioned by Governor Gambito, is a localized version of the national TUPAD program, specifically tailored to address the needs of workers who have lost their jobs or are struggling to find employment. The beneficiaries will have the opportunity to work for ten days, earning P500 per day, which totals P5,000. The work will involve community-based projects in their respective barangays, similar to the tasks in the TUPAD program of DOLE, such as cleaning and maintaining public spaces. Dolly Rose Minas, head of the Public Employment Service Division at the Governor’s Office, is leading the program’s implementation. “This year, we have increased our budget to P25 million, compared to last year’s P10 million, which successfully assisted 2,000 workers,” Minas shared. “Our goal is to extend this opportunity to more people, particularly those who have not yet experienced the benefits of TUPAD.” To join the program, applicants must provide documentation verifying their status as displaced workers, including certification from their Punong Barangay confirming their unemployment, underemployment, or low-income status. Priority will be given to those who have not previously taken part in TUPAD. The program is set to commence next month. The provincial government has also requested an exemption from the Commission on Elections to ensure the program’s smooth operation during the election period.                      

Vice Governor and Director General of the Bambanti Festival 2025, Hon. Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III, officially inaugurated today the Bambanti Village’s Agri-Ecotourism Exhibit and Sale with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting at the Isabela Provincial Capitol Compound, on January 20. Tourism Regional Director Troy Alexander G. Miano, members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, and department heads of the Provincial Government of Isabela (PGI) also participated in the event. This year’s agri-ecotourism booth competition features 32 municipalities, along with the cities of Ilagan and Cauayan, each presenting unique Bambanti (scarecrow) installations. The competition is divided into two categories: Category A, comprising 11 participants from nine municipalities and two cities, and Category B, comprising 23 municipalities. The Bambanti Village aims to showcase the cultural heritage, traditions, and products of each municipality and city to the public.

By Rachel Magday Nueva Vizcaya Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito has directed the Provincial Legal Office to explore potential legal actions against responsible officials of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). This decision follows the establishment of a Technical Working Group by the DENR, which was assigned to conduct a technical evaluation of the territorial boundaries between the municipalities of Sta. Fe in Nueva Vizcaya and San Nicolas in Pangasinan. Governor Gambito made this directive during a meeting of the ad hoc committee of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, where representatives from the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) presented the TWG’s report. During the meeting, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan also passed a resolution formally objecting to the TWG’s recommendation to set aside the NAMRIA survey results. The governor expressed his gratitude to NAMRIA for standing firm on the validity of the NAMRIA survey, which delineated the correct boundaries between Sta. Fe and San Nicolas. He has voiced strong objections to what he perceives as unwarranted interference by the DENR in the boundary issue concerning Barangay Malico, which he asserts was conclusively resolved through a Memorandum of Agreement signed by elected officials from both provinces. He described the DENR officials’ actions as potential malfeasance, arguing that they are improperly intervening in a matter that has already been settled. Governor Gambito emphasized that the boundary dispute over Barangay Malico has been thoroughly resolved. He affirmed that Barangay Malico is officially part of Nueva Vizcaya, based on a delineation by the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) of the DENR. However, the Technical Working Group’s final report contradicted the NAMRIA survey results, recommending that these be set aside in favor of the approved cadastral maps of both municipalities. “There is no longer any boundary dispute to discuss,” declared Governor Gambito. “The NAMRIA delineation has settled the issue, and it was based on a memorandum of agreement that both parties fully perfected and signed.” Governor Gambito defended the legitimacy of the agreement, asserting that the process was transparent and lawful. “The contract has been consummated, as the completed NAMRIA survey has already delineated the boundaries. There is nothing left to do but respect the results of this agreement. Everything is now a fait accompli.” Governor Gambito’s directive to explore legal avenues underscores his administration’s commitment to safeguarding Nueva Vizcaya’s territorial integrity and ensuring adherence to previously established agreements.            

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Nueva Vizcaya, led by Provincial Director Catherine G. Allam-Miranda, along with Program Manager Melania M. Seangoy, LGOO V James Daryll B. Liggayu, and LGOO II Keith Clarence R. Bunagan, held a productive interfacing session with Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito to mark the achievements of 2024 and outline plans for the upcoming year. During the meeting, the DILG team extended their heartfelt gratitude to Governor Gambito and the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) of Nueva Vizcaya for their steadfast support and collaboration. The team emphasized that the milestones achieved last year were the result of a strong and harmonious partnership between the DILG and the PLGU, fostering effective governance and service delivery for the people of Nueva Vizcaya. Looking ahead to 2025, the DILG team presented their strategic plans and initiatives aimed at sustaining and enhancing the province’s excellence in governance. Governor Gambito expressed his unwavering support for these initiatives and reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining the province’s status as an exemplar of public service. The meeting concluded with a shared resolve to uphold the legacy of excellence that Nueva Vizcaya has built, embodied by its recognition as ACEs of Public Service in 2024. Both the DILG and PLGU vowed to continue working hand in hand to create meaningful and lasting impacts for the benefit of every Vizcayano.        

By Rachel Magday   In a landmark development for the province, Nueva Vizcaya under the leadership of Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito has been elevated from a second-class province to a first-class province, effective January 1, 2025, based on Department Order No. 074, Series of 2024, issued by the Department of Finance (DOF). This change is in line with Republic Act No. 11964, known as the “Automatic Income Classification of Local Government Units (LGUs) Act,” which was signed into law by President Ferdinand R. Marcos. Finance Secretary Ralph Recto signed the order on November 5, 2024, which outlines the income classifications of provinces, cities, and municipalities based on their average annual regular income over the three fiscal years preceding a general income reclassification. Under the updated classification system, provinces are categorized into five classes according to specific income ranges: 1st Class: ₱1.5 billion or more 2nd Class: ₱900 million to less than ₱1.5 billion 3rd Class: ₱700 million to less than ₱900 million 4th Class: ₱500 million to less than ₱700 million 5th Class: Less than ₱500 million The income classification is determined by a combination of national tax allocation (NTA) and local revenue sources. This classification will play a crucial role in determining financial grants and other assistance to localities, as well as their capacity to implement priority programs, according to President Marcos. In 2023, Nueva Vizcaya reported an impressive annual income exceeding ₱2 billion, which included over ₱700 million in local taxes. The province’s locally-sourced revenue for the fiscal year 2023 reached ₱717,096,656.06, surpassing the target of ₱391,387,274.00 and reflecting a remarkable collection efficiency rate of 183.22%. This growth signifies a booming business environment in the province. Governor Gambito emphasized the province’s thriving economic landscape, remarking, “We can confidently say that we have a healthy and vibrant economy right now.” He highlighted that the declaration of Nueva Vizcaya as an insurgency-free province has played a crucial role in attracting more investors. Additionally, he pointed out that infrastructure projects, such as the Kalsada ti Kabanbantayan, have been instrumental in supporting farmers by facilitating the transport of their produce to markets, thereby invigorating the local economy. The governor also committed to continuing the momentum of growth and development, ensuring that the province remains an attractive destination for investment and progress. Moreover, Nueva Vizcaya demonstrated an impressive year-on-year growth rate of 68.20% in total locally sourced revenues from fiscal year 2022 to 2023, highlighting its economic resilience and potential for further development. Provincial Treasurer Rhoda S. Moreno attributed this success to various initiatives, stating, “A big factor is due to the passage of SP ordinances providing taxpayers easy and convenient ways to settle their delinquent taxes through compromise agreement schemes, condonation of penalties, electronic/online tax payment systems, and other innovative approaches introduced by the Provincial Treasury geared toward the enhancement of our locally sourced revenues.”                

By Rachel Magday   Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito has called on provincial government employees to uphold high standards of public service and to continue working harder as the new year begins. Speaking at the first flag raising ceremony of 2025, sponsored by the Office of the Governor, he emphasized the importance of dedication and forward-thinking in serving the people of Nueva Vizcaya. “Let us set a good standard of public service to Novo Vizcayanos. While we are here as government employees, let us work diligently not just for the present generation but also for the future ones,” Governor Gambito stated. “This is just one opportunity for us, so let’s make the most out of it. When we retire, we can proudly say that we did a good job.” The governor expressed his gratitude for the employees’ hard work over the past year, which has led to numerous successes for the province. Among these achievements is the prestigious Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) award from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), often regarded as the “Mother of all awards” for local government units. “These awards have elevated Nueva Vizcaya on the national stage and are a testament to the effective management within the provincial government,” Gambito remarked. “I give the credit to you. I do not want to claim it all because, without your excellent work, these awards would not have been possible.” Under Governor Gambito’s administration, Nueva Vizcaya has garnered more than 15 national awards and recognitions, reflecting the province’s commitment to excellence and innovation in governance. The provincial government thru the leadership of Gov. Gambito remains committed to sustaining its momentum and continuing to serve the Novo Vizcayanos with integrity and dedication.