By Rachel Magday   The provincial government of Nueva Vizcaya has reached its 7th batch of payouts, providing emergency shelter assistance to victims of Typhoon Pepito. Today,March 13,2025 , a total of 1,982 residents from various towns received 5,000 pesos each to help rebuild their homes and lives. The payout, held at the Carlos M. Padilla Convention Center, was led by Gov. Atty. Jose V. Gambito, along with Board Member Patricio F. Dumlao Jr. and former Governor Ruth R. Padilla. According to PDRRM Officer King Webster Balawing, the nearly P10 million disbursed today is the remaining portion of a 50 million peso fund provided by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos. This fund was given as aid to the province following the devastation caused by Typhoon Pepito last year. In total, around 10,000 beneficiaries have received the P5,000 shelter assistance Future payouts will be funded by the provincial government through the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (LDRRM)Fund. The towns benefiting from this recent payout include Kayapa, Quezon, Bayombong, Solano, Diadi, Bambang, Dupax del Norte, and Dupax del Sur. Another round of payouts is planned for the third and last week of March in the Casecnan Area of Alfonso Castaneda and at the CMP Convention Center,Provincial Capitol. Gov. Gambito expressed his commitment to uplifting the lives of Novo Vizcayanos by improving the economic opportunities of those in marginalized sectors. He stated, “To improve the lives of everyone, let’s start by enhancing the economic opportunities of those at the bottom so that we can all rise together.”

  President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos attributed the collapse of the 60-meter portion of the Cabagan-Sta. Maria Bridge to a “design flaw” caused by budget cuts from previous administrations. “Ang puno’t dulo nito, design flaw. It is a design flaw. Mali ‘yung design. Ang history kasi nito dapat ang funding nito is supposed to be P1.8 billion so binawasan to under 1 billion para makamura… Design is really weak,” Marcos Jr. said after his inspection along with Isabela Governor Rodito T. Albano and other local officials,on March 6. He added that additional expenses for retrofitting due to structural issues raised the total cost to P1.2 billion. Marcos also said, “Ito lang ang suspension bridge na nakita ko sa buong mundo na hindi kable, at ‘yan na mismo ang bumigay.” He mentioned that a more “detailed design” is being developed, and the entire bridge would require another round of retrofitting. Designed to accommodate vehicles up to 44 tons, the national bridge collapsed on February 27, 2025, when a dump truck carrying boulders, with an estimated gross vehicle weight of 102 tons, passed over it. The incident left six individuals injured. (From Isabela PIO post)      

By Rachel Magday   In a recent courtesy call to the office of Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito, OFW Partylist Representative Marissa Delmar Magsino committed to providing funding for the construction of an Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) Welfare Center building in Nueva Vizcaya. This initiative aims to offer a comfortable space for OFWs and their families to address their concerns and needs when visiting the provincial capitol. Representative Magsino’s pledge includes additional funding for livelihood and scholarship programs specifically for the children of OFWs in the province. One of the key topics discussed between the congresswoman and Governor Gambito was the importance of providing financial literacy orientation for OFWs. This program aims to equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed investment decisions with the hard-earned money they have saved while working abroad. Gambito has tasked Dolly Rose C. Minas, head of the Public Employment Service Division, to prepare the necessary project proposals for the initiative. The establishment of the OFW Welfare Center building, located at the provincial capitol, is based on an ordinance authored by Board Member Elma Pinao-an Lejao. Both leaders emphasized their commitment to working together to implement various programs aimed at improving the conditions and support for OFWs in Nueva Vizcaya. The proposed welfare center building is set to become a vital resource for OFWs, providing them with a dedicated space to seek assistance and access various services, including financial literacy training to ensure their investments yield positive outcomes.        

By Rachel Magday   In response to the rising cases of rape particularly involving children, Nueva Vizcaya has been chosen as the pilot area for the “Kwarto ni Neneng” program by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). The municipalities selected for this initiative are Quezon and Dupax del Sur. This announcement was made by PSWD Officer Flordeina C. Granada during a joint meeting of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC), Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC), and the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC), on February 20. The “Kwarto ni Neneng” project aims to provide separate rooms for beneficiaries’ households to ensure the separation of males and females. Authorities have found that victims of violence, including acts of lasciviousness and rape, often live in homes with only one room, or “shared rooms,” which can increase the risk of such crimes, especially when male family members are under the influence of alcohol. Under DILG Memorandum Circular 2024-033, beneficiaries of the project will receive assistance to build safe and secure living spaces. This initiative is expected to help reduce cases of violence against women and children in the province. In addition to the “Kwarto ni Neneng” program, the provincial government is also implementing various initiatives to support victims of rape. These include providing free legal services and educational assistance to help them continue their studies until they graduate. These programs aim to empower survivors and ensure they have access to the resources they need to rebuild their lives. Gov. Atty. Jose Gambito emphasized the importance of these initiatives, stating, “We must prioritize the safety and dignity of our women and children. By creating separate living spaces and providing necessary support, we are not just offering shelter; we are fostering an environment where they can thrive free from fear and violence. This is a crucial step towards building a safer and more compassionate community.

By Rachel Magday The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management (PDRRM) and the Provincial Employment Services Division (PESD) conducted a joint payout event in the town of Alfonso Castañeda, on February 12. This initiative was part of the ongoing effort to bring provincial government services closer to its citizens. The event facilitated the distribution of emergency shelter assistance and honorariums to Trabaho ti Umili(TrPaTu) beneficiaries from various barangays within the municipality. Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito, Board Member Patricio F. Dumlao Jr., and former Governor Ruth R. Padilla led the distribution of PHP 5,000 each to 141 victims of Typhoon Pepito and 175 recipients of the TrPaTu program. The total amount disbursed during the event exceeded PHP 1.5 million. The emergency shelter assistance funds are part of the PHP 50 million provided by President Ferdinand R. Marcos to aid those affected by the typhoon in Nueva Vizcaya. Meanwhile, the honorariums for the TrPaTu recipients were sourced from the PHP 10 million allocated by Governor Gambito for 2,000 workers under the “Trabaho para ti Umili” program. This joint payout aimed to deliver immediate financial relief to those impacted by natural disasters and support community recovery efforts.

By Victor Martin DUPAX DEL NORTE, Nueva Vizcaya – Umabot sa 3,250 na tahanan ang nabigyan ng isang buwan na libreng bayarin sa kuryente para sa taong 2025 sa bayan ng Dupax del Norte sa lalawigang ito. Ayon kay Mayor Tim Cayton, ang electric subsidy program ng lokal na pamahalaan na mas kilala bilang “Ilaw ng Tahanan sa Bayan ng Dupax del Norte” ay napagtibay sa pamamagitan ng isang ordinansa na ipinasa ng Sanguniang Bayan noong 2024. Layunin ng nasabing panukala na mabigyan ng isang buwan na libreng bayarin sa kuryente, sa loob ng isang taon, ang lahat na mga residente sa Dupax del Norte mahirap man o may kaya sa buhay. Nilinaw din ni Cayton na ang mga kwalipikadong benepisyaryo ay ang mga nagmamay-ari ng electric meters (kuntador) na nasa ilalim ng residential category ayon sa batayan ng Nueva Vizcaya Electric Cooperative (NUVELCO) at hindi kasali ang mga commercial establishments. Ayon naman kay Municipal Councilor Atty. Paolo Cayton, pinuno ng Committee on Appropriation at may akda sa nasabing ordinansa, lahat ng mga may bayarin ng mas mababa sa P500 ay tatanggap ng buo na P500, P1,000 naman ang tatanggapin kung ang electric bill nila ay mas mababa sa P1,000 at P1,500 kung mas mataas sa P1,000 ang bayarin. Samantala, tumanggap din nitong Linggo ng tulong pinansyal ang lahat na mga Barangay Tanod, Lupong taga-pamayapa, Purok leaders, solo parents, Senior Citizen, rice at vegetable farmers at lahat ng mga guro sa nasabing bayan. Bukod sa mga ito ay regular din na may financial na tulong mula sa LGU ang lahat ng mga magsasaka ng mais, kasambahay, drivers, rebel returnees, OFW, SK officials, maging ang mga dating bilanggo. Si Cayton ay kinilala noong 2023 bilang outstanding Mayor of the Philippines dahil sa kanyang mga kakaibang programa sa larangan ng social services lalo na noong panahon ng COVID-19. Samantala, mula 2rd class municipality ay itinanghal na first class municipality ang Dupax del Norte nitong buwan ng Enero dahil sa mabilis na pag-angat ng ekonomiya at magandang pamamahala ng mga lokal na opisyal.    

By Rachel Magday   In a proud moment for the province of Nueva Vizcaya, Architect Ckristel Jansenn Larosa Daguio, a native of Aritao, was warmly received by Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito during a courtesy call at the governor’s office,on February 3. Daguio recently achieved the remarkable feat of topping the Architecture Licensure Exam held on January 21 and 23, 2025. Joining Governor Gambito during the courtesy call were Board Members Patricio F. Dumlao, Elma Pinao-an Lejao, and Eunice Galima Gambol, who all expressed their admiration for Daguio’s outstanding accomplishment. A cum laude graduate from the University of the Philippines Diliman, Daguio was accompanied by her parents, Architect Roderick and Engineer Maryjane Daguio, during the visit. In recognition of her outstanding achievement, Governor Gambito extended a job offer to Daguio to join the provincial government, highlighting the administration’s commitment to nurturing local talent. “Ckristel’s achievement is a reflection of the dedication and potential of our youth. We are proud to support her journey and look forward to seeing her contribute to our community,” said Governor Gambito. As per the Topnotchers Incentive Ordinance of Nueva Vizcaya, Daguio is set to receive a P 200,000 incentive from the provincial government. This ordinance aims to reward and encourage academic excellence among Novo Vizcayanos. Daguio is the third recipient of this incentive, following Kharam Molbog of Solano, who topped the Medical Technology Board Examination, and Hannah Mae Guimbongan, who excelled in the Geodetic Licensure Board Examination. Daguio is also the second topnotcher from Aritao, following in the footsteps of Dr. Ian Cary Prado, who topped the Veterinary Licensure Examination in 2019. Dr. Prado’s achievement inspired Board Member Elma Pinao-an Lejao to propose the Topnotchers Incentive Ordinance, although he was not covered by it at the time it was passed.

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.