By Digna Bingayen-Cagayan PIO Naghain na ng kani-kanilang Certificate of Candidacy (COC) ang team “One Cagayan” sa Commission on Elections (COMELEC)-Cagayan, ngayong Lunes, Oktubre 07, 2024. Nanguna sa paghahain si Retired Gen. Edgar “Manong Egay” Aglipay na siyang tatakbo bilang Gobernador sa probinsiya kasama ang kanyang maybahay na si Marinette Yan-Aglipay. Magiging katuwang ni Manong Egay si Governor Manuel Mamba na tatakbo naman sa pagka-bise gobernador. Sa naging pahayag ni Manong Egay, ang kanyang uunahin ay ang paglalaan pondo sa mga mangingisda at magsasaka dahil ang ibang sektor ay nagawa na ni Gov. Mamba. “Kung mapapansin natin ay nagawa na niya [Gov. Mamba] lahat, nakita natin na papunta na ang Cagayan sa mas mataas na lebel ng progreso, kaya kailangan natin tulungan ang mga mannalon at mangngalap.” Sinabi naman ni Gov. Mamba na pagtutulungan nila ni Manong Egay para matupad ang progreso na pangarap ng bawat Cagayano at magkaroon ng koneksyon sa buong mundo. “Ang pinakamaganda ay mahasa ang lahat ng galing ng mga Cagayano na nandito mismo sa Cagayan yan ang pangarap naming ni Manong Egay, to connect our province to the entire world thru the international seaport and international airport that we dream,” saad ni Gov. Mamba Naghain din ng kanyang COC ang kasalukuyang alkalde sa bayan ng Lal-lo na si Florante “Anteng” Pascual sa pagkakongresista sa unang distrito. Sa pangalawang distrito ay tatakbo rin bilang Congressman si Mayor Harry Florida ng Allacapan at si Randy Ting naman sa ikatlong distrito. Sa Board Member ay naghain din kanilang COC sina Atty. Romeo Garcia at ang dating alkalde ng Baggao na si Joan Dunuan sa unang distrito; Lalaine Opeña ng pangalawang distrito habang sa ikatlong distrito ay sina Engelbert “Jojo” Caronan, Pearlita Mabasa, Raymund Guzman, at Romar De Asis. Personal namang sinaksihan nina Atty. Mabel Villarica-Mamba, Unang Ginang ng Cagayan; Allacapan Vice Mayor Yvonne Florida, Provincial Administrator Atty. Ma. Rosario Mamba-Villaflor; Vice Mayor Olive Pascual ng Lal-lo at mga supporter ng One Cagayan ang kanilang paghahain ng kanilang kandidatura.

By Rachel Magday In a bid to continue his leadership and the ongoing progress in Nueva Vizcaya, Gov. Atty. Jose V. Gambito officially filed his certificate of candidacy at the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Provincial Office,Bayombong, on October 5. Accompanied by his supportive family, including his wife Beth Gambito, their children, and grandchildren, Gov. Gambito emphasized the importance of family and community support in his political journey. Gambito, who stepped into the gubernatorial role following the passing of Gov. Carlos M. Padilla, has been a staunch advocate for unity—a principle he shared with the late governor. This shared vision of unity fostered a collaborative environment that has been crucial in the successful implementation of various programs and initiatives at the provincial capitol. “After assuming the gubernatorial post, we have gained significant momentum with programs benefiting the Novo Vizcayanos. I am committed to sustaining this momentum and ensuring that our progress continues uninterrupted,” he expressed. Under his administration, Nueva Vizcaya has achieved remarkable milestones, including being recognized as the second fastest-growing economy in the Philippines and being declared an insurgency-free province. Recently, the province was also recognized by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) as a national passer for the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG), highlighting its commitment to transparency and effective governance. Furthermore, Gambito himself was recognized as one of the top three best-performing governors in the Cagayan Valley, underscoring his exemplary leadership. Gov. Gambito is committed to advancing his flagship projects, including “Kalsada ti Kabanbantayan,” “WiFi ti Umili,” and “Silaw ti Umili,” all designed to improve infrastructure, connectivity, and community services. A key focus of his agenda is inclusive governance, ensuring that every sector of society is represented and benefits from provincial initiatives. Additionally, his holistic approach prioritizes tourism, agriculture, education, health ,social welfare and environmental sustainability, aiming to create a thriving and equitable community for all Novo Vizcayanos. Joining him in his candidacy filing was former Gov. Ruth R. Padilla, who is running for a congressional seat. Despite being political opponents for the past decade, Gambito and Padilla have chosen to set aside their differences and collaborate for the benefit of the Novo Vizcayanos. Together, they aim to extend their legacy of unity and development under the coalition of the Nacionalista Party and Partido Federal ng Pilipinas. Also part of their team is last-termer board member Patricio”Patpat” F. Dumlao Jr., who will vie for the vice gubernatorial position. Additionally, PB Theodore Omar Santos has filed his certificate of candidacy for Board Member of the North District under the NP-PFP coalition. The partnership between Gambito and Padilla aims to foster growth and development in Nueva Vizcaya, guided by unity, teamwork, and inclusivity. As they prepare for the upcoming term, their shared vision will help lead the province toward a brighter and more inclusive future.        

Incumbent Isabela Governor Rodito T. Albano III filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) today, October 3, to seek re-election in the coming May 2025 midterm elections. He is seeking his final term as governor under the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), aiming to continue the projects he started during his first term. “Sana magsama-sama ulit tayo para sa kinabukasan ng ating mga anak at kababayan. Itutuloy-tuloy natin ang ating mga programa. Nandito kaming lahat para sa inyo. Maraming salamat sa tulong ninyo at kumpiyansang ibinigay ninyo sa amin,” he said. Joining Gov. Rodito to show his full support was his partner, Vice Governor Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III, along with Cong. Antonio “Tonypet” T. Albano of the 1st District, Cong. Ed Christopher Go of the 2nd District, and Cong. Michael Faustino Dy III of the 5th District, as well as some provincial board members, mayors, and vice mayors.    

  By Rachel Magday In a significant political development, former Governor Ruth R. Padilla has officially filed her certificate of candidacy (COC) for the congressional seat representing Nueva Vizcaya. Running under the Nacionalista Party, Padilla was accompanied by her eldest son, Carlos “Jojo” Padilla II, who expressed immense pride in his mother’s decision to continue the legacy of his late father, Governor Carlos M. Padilla. “I am proud of my nanay for stepping up to continue the legacy of my tatay,” Jojo Padilla stated, emphasizing the family’s dedication to public service and their commitment to the province’s development. “Her decision is not just a fulfillment of my father’s wishes but also a response to the people’s call for continued progress and service.” Ruth Padilla’s candidacy is further bolstered by the support of Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito, who stood by her side during the filing. Although Governor Gambito will file his own COC separately on October 5, their partnership under the coalition of the Nacionalista Party and the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas signifies a united front aimed at fostering growth and unity in the province. “Our unity is a testament to our shared vision for Nueva Vizcaya,” Gambito remarked. “Together, we aim to build on the foundations laid by our predecessors and drive our province towards a brighter future.” In her heartfelt message to the Novo Vizcayanos, Ruth Padilla affirmed her commitment to serving the province. “I am fully prepared to dedicate myself and my time to every Novo Vizcayano. Together, we will strive for a more prosperous, just, and brighter future for our province,” she declared. Also joining Padilla in the electoral race is Patricio F. Dumlao Jr., a last-termer Board Member, who filed his COC for the vice gubernatorial position. The slate for Board Member candidates includes Emerlene Jane Martinez Galanta, Leonard Clem Cadoy, Atty. Paul Ligmayo, Adonis Lejao, and Jun Padilla in the South District, and Eunice Galima Gambol, Atty. Primo Percival Marcos, Wilson Salas, Flodemonte Gerdan, and Theodore Omar Santos in the North District. Additionally, candidates from the municipality of Bayombong joined Mrs. Padilla in filing their COCs, led by last-termer Municipal Councilor Precy Marcos, who is running for mayor, and reelectionist Vice Mayor Ramon “Dudung” Cabautan. Their participation underscores a collective effort to bring about positive change and development at both the provincial and municipal levels, further strengthening the unified vision for Nueva Vizcaya’s future.