By Rachel Magday   In a bold initiative to uplift the lives of its residents, the provincial government of Nueva Vizcaya, led by Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito, is allocating ₱31.185 million for a series of new social service programs aimed at empowering local communities and significantly reducing poverty in the province. One of the key components of the initiative is the Jobs in Need of Gifts (JING) program, which has been allocated a substantial budget of ₱18 million. This program aims to provide livelihood assistance to tricycle drivers in Nueva Vizcaya who did not receive support from the DSWD’s Ayuda para sa Kapo sa Kita (AKAP) program. JING is expected to benefit approximately 3,000 tricycle drivers and operators, offering them essential resources to help them recover from economic setbacks and regain their financial stability. Another critical initiative is the Trabaho para iti Umili (TrPaTu) program, which has received ₱10 million. This localized adaptation of the national government’s Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program is specifically designed for disadvantaged and displaced workers. Beneficiaries will engage in ten days of work, earning a total of ₱5,000. The program aims to assist approximately 2,000 displaced workers from various municipalities across the province. Additionally, the Driver’s License Mo, Sagut ni Gayyem ti Umili program, with a budget of ₱3.185 million, aims to assist informal sector workers in obtaining non-professional driver’s licenses. This initiative specifically targets individuals who have already secured a student permit or a first-time license but need additional support to complete the process. The program will cover all costs associated with the mandatory practical driving course, as well as the non-professional or professional license fees and the necessary medical certificate. Governor Gambito emphasized his commitment to ensuring that the people of Nueva Vizcaya feel the government’s presence in their daily lives. He stated, “I want the people of Nueva Vizcaya to truly feel the support of their government as we work together to rise from poverty. These programs are not just about financial assistance; they represent hope and opportunity for our community.” The implementation of these programs will be overseen by the Public Employment and Services Division of the Governor’s Office, headed by PESO Manager Dolly Rose Minas.      

 By Rachel Magday BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya — The Provincial Government of Nueva Vizcaya, will proudly host the 7th Regional Organic Agriculture Congress (ROAC) at the Carlos M. Padilla Convention Center, Provincial Capitol, on September 19-20, 2024. This year’s ROAC, themed “Kabuhayang OA, Kinabukasang OK: PGS Pinalakas para sa Bagong Pilipinas,” will highlight the milestones of Region 2 in organic agriculture implementation. Governor Governor Attorney Jose V. Gambito, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming congress and his vision for the province, stating, “Hosting the 7th Regional Organic Agriculture Congress is a significant honor for Nueva Vizcaya.” “ This event highlights our commitment to advancing organic agriculture and supporting our farmers. We are dedicated to transforming Nueva Vizcaya into a leading organic agriculture province. We look forward to the fruitful discussions and collaborative efforts that will emerge from this congress, driving sustainable practices and improving livelihoods across our region,” Gambito added. The congress will bring together a diverse group of participants, including farmers, experts, policymakers, and industry representatives. It provides a valuable opportunity for attendees to share insights, exchange ideas, and collaborate on initiatives to advance the organic agriculture sector. This significant event will bring together stakeholders and practitioners of organic agriculture from across the region to discuss and advance the industry. The Regional Organic Agriculture Congress serves as a vital platform for stakeholders and practitioners to stay informed and updated on the current state of organic agriculture in the region. According to Provincial Agriculturist Absalom Rizal D. Baysa, its primary goal is to promote, propagate, further develop, and implement best practices of organic agriculture in the Philippines. The congress aims to foster a competitive and sustainable organic agriculture industry that contributes to higher farm incomes and more sustainable livelihoods. Additionally, it provides an avenue for the promotion and dissemination of breakthroughs and other technologies. The event will feature presentations on the Organic Agriculture Milestones and Future Plans of the provinces in Region 2. It will also include consultations with organic stakeholders and the crafting of an Organic Agriculture Resolution. This resolution will serve as a basis for the National Organic Agriculture Board on policy decisions, ensuring the successful implementation of the Organic Agriculture Program in the region.

Naniniwala si Gov. Manuel Mamba na simula na ng pagtatapos ng insurgeny sa Cagayan matapos masawi ang kalihim ng Komiteng Rehiyon Cagayan Valley (KRCV), CPP-NPA sa engkwentro ng naganap sa barangay Baliuag, Peñablanca, Cagayan,noong Setyembre 11. Sa Joint Press Conference ng 5th Infantry Division Philippine Army, Police Regional Office No. 02 (PRO2) at Provincial Government of Cagayan, pinuri ni Gov. Mamba ang hanay ng kasundaluhan at kapulisan sa kanilang pagpupursigi na tapusin ang karahasan at kaguluhan sa lalawigan na dulot ng mga rebeldeng grupo. “I see the beginning of the end of insurgency. Marami pa tayong problema ngunit unti-unting mawawakas na natin ang problema sa pagtutulungan natin”, sambit ni Mamba. Malaking dagok rin aniya ang pagkamatay ni Edgar Ariel Mancao Arbitratrio, Regional Secretary ng KRCV, upang hindi matuloy ang ginagawang “permit to campaign” at pangongolekta ng revolutionary tax sa mga politiko lalo na at papalapit ang eleksyon. “Malaking dagok ito sa kilusan ng NPA, mawawala ang effectivity ng revolutionary tax for politicians and permit to campaign might not happen especially malapit na ang eleksyon,” dagdag pa ng Gobernador. Kaugnay rito, patuloy rin ang panawagan ng Ama ng Lalawigan sa mga kawani ng hukbong sandatahan na panatilihin ang nagawang pagbabago sa kanilang mga organisasyon. “I saw the transformation of the AFP and the police. And I hope and pray that this transformation will not stop until it achieves its best. The good men and women are examples to our people,” pagtatapos ni Gov. Mamba. (From CPIO)

The United States government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), handed over a mobile storage unit and mobile energy systems worth more than P11.6 million ($208,000) to boost Cagayan province’s disaster risk reduction capacity, on September 9 and 10. USAID Mission Director Ryan Washburn handed over a mobile storage unit that can store 50,000 food packs to Cagayan Provincial Administrator Atty. Maria Rosario Mamba-Villaflor. The mobile storage unit will allow the provincial government to store food and non-food items so they can rapidly deliver life-saving assistance in the immediate aftermath of disasters. “For many years, USAID has dispatched teams to Cagayan and other provinces in Northern Luzon to support local government units in providing life-saving assistance during calamities,” said Mission Director Washburn.  “As your friend, partner, and ally, the U.S. government remains committed to strengthening our partnerships and working with the Philippine government to rebuild and restore lives following disasters.” During the turnover, USAID also formalized a partnership with Cagayan province and the World Food Programme to strengthen Cagayan’s emergency response efforts through the Preparedness and Response Excellence in the Philippines, or PREP, project. This project will help reduce disaster risks by improving irrigation canals, water systems, and water-harvesting facilities; set up community flood-control dikes; introduce climate-resilient crops; construct community evacuation centers; and provide cash-for-work training so communities can bounce back from natural disasters. “People’s empowerment is at the heart of the disaster preparedness and good governance program of the governor,” said Provincial Administrator Mamba-Villaflor.  “The governor extends his gratitude on behalf of the people of Cagayan.” USAID also handed over mobile energy systems (MES) to the municipalities of Lal-Lo and Santa Ana.  The MES units will provide clean and reliable power to support relief operations and essential services in the aftermath of disasters, as well as help restart the power grid. Because the systems are mobile, they can be deployed anywhere they are needed, particularly in remote and off-grid areas.  Unlike traditional generator sets, they only require sunlight to recharge. While in Northern Luzon, Mission Director Washburn also discussed USAID’s work to support Tuguegarao City’s solid waste management system with OIC City Administrator Juanito Calubaquib and city councilors.  He also spoke with Cagayan Vice Governor Melvin Vargas Jr. about USAID’s programs in the region and visited Santa Teresita municipality to see the Emergency Operations Center that USAID helped construct more than a decade ago. Since 2010, the U.S. government, through USAID, has provided around Php19.6 billion ($344 million) in disaster relief and recovery aid, as well as boosted the disaster risk reduction capacity of over 100 cities and municipalities in the Philippines.            

By Rachell Galamay Inihayag ng Department of Health- Cagayan Valley Center for Health Development (DOH-CVCHD) na walang travel history ang naitalang unang kaso ng Mpox(monkeypox) sa Rehiyon Dos. Sa naging pahayag ni DOH Regional Director Amelita Pangilinan sa ginanap na Press Conference ngayong Martes, Setyembre 11, sinabi nitong walang travel history sa labas ng bansa o sa ibang lugar ang pasyente at locally transmitted ang sakit nito. Ayon kay Pangilinan, kusa umanong nagpunta sa pagamutan ang naturang pasyente upang ipakonsulta ang tumubong tila singaw malapit sa kanyang bibig at dito na nakita ang mga sintomas na kapareho ng sintomas na mayroon ang Mpox. Tumanggi namang magbigay ng pagkakakilanlan at karagdagang impormasyon ang kagawaran ukol sa naitalang unang kaso ng Mpox gaya ng pangalan, edad at tirahan nito, ayon sa ahensiya ito ay dahil sa sumusunod lamang sila sa batas na nakasaad sa Data Privacy Act of 2012, ngunit tiniyak naman ng ahensiya na patuloy ang ginagawang monitoring at health preventive measures sa naturang pasyente. Kaugnay rito, siniguro naman ng DOH na nakatutok at kumikilos na ang mga healthcare workers kasama ang grupo ng Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU) sa pagsasagawa ng contact tracing, close monitoring at preventive measures sa mga nakasalamuha ng unang kaso ng Mpox. Bagama’t hindi tinukoy ang pagkakakilanlanlan ng pasyente, tiniyak naman ng ahensiya na sapat ang mga kagamitan sa mga ospital at handa ang bawat establisyimentong gagamitin sa oras ng pangangailangan, bukod dito ay naabisuhan na rin ang mga Local Government Units (LGUs), Rural Health Units (RHUs) at ospital tungkol sa mga dapat na ibabang impormasyon tungkol sa mpox na itinuturing na public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). Ibinahagi pa ng kagawaran na kanilang ipinagpapatuloy ang best practices na isinagawa noong kasagsagan ng pandemiya na Prevention, Detection, Isolation, Treatment at Reintegration o PDITR sa kasalukuyang sitwasyon ng bansa lalo na sa lalawigan. Maliban dito, hinikayat din ahensiya na kung mayroong nararamdamang sintomas na posibleng kahalintulad ng sintomas din Mpox gaya ng pagkakaroon ng butlig, lagnat, pananakit ng ulo, pamamaga ng lalamunan, pagkakaroon ng skin rash at pananakit ng katawan ay agad na magtungo sa pinakamalapit na pagamutan at huwag mahihiyang ipagbigay alam sa awtoridad ang kalagayan. Iwasan din umano ang close contact sa mga taong may sintomas ng Mpox gaya na lamang ng pakikipagbeso, pakikipagyakap, at paggamit sa mga kagamitan ng pasyente.

Kinumpirma ng Department of Health Region 02-Cagayan Valley Center for Health Development (DOH-CVCHD) ang pinakaunang kaso ng Monkeypox (mpox) sa lambak ng Cagayan. Ayon sa DOH, naka-isolate na ang pasyente at kasalukuyang binibigyan ng atensyong medikal. Hindi naman idinedetalye ng naturang tanggapan ang pagkakakilanlan ng naturang pasyente. Kasalukuyan na rin nagsasagawa ang mga otoridad ng contact tracing sa mga nakasalamuha ng pasyente. By CPIO

CAMP MARCELO ADDURU, Cagayan – Isang High Value Individual drug personality ang nasakote sa matagumpay na search warrant operation na nakumpiskahan ng P10.2 milyonghalaga ng shabu sa Tuguegarao City,Cagayan,noong Setyembre 5. Kinilala ang suspek na si alyas “Popoy”, 39 taong gulang at residente ng nabanggit na lugar, na kinasuhan ng paglabag sa Republic Act 9165 at RA 10591 o’ Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act. Sa report ni Lt.Col. Pepito Mendoza, Chief of Police ng Tuguegarao Component City Police Station, kay BGen. Christopher Birung, regional director ng PRO-2, ang matagumpay na search warrant operation laban sa suspek, ay nakumpiskahan ito sa loob ng kanyang bahay ng 16 sachet na naglalaman ng hinihinalang shabu na may tinatayang timbang na kalahating kilo at nagkakahalag ng P3,400,000.00; isang vacuumed sealed plastic na naglalaman ng kaparehong kontrabando na may tinatayang timbang na isang kilo at nagkakahalaga ng P6,800,000.00 at isang magazine na naglalaman ng sampung live ammunitions. Pinuri naman ni Birung ang mga operatiba sa matagumpay na operasyon. “Hangad namin ang kaligtasan ng bawat Cagayanos kung kaya’t hinihingi ko ang inyong buong suporta sa pagtugis sa sinumang lumalabag sa ating batas. Kayo ang aming katuwang sa pagpapanatili ng kaayusan at katahimikan sa lambak ng Cagayan”.

By Rachel Magday Highlighting a crucial advancement in social services for the region, Government Attorney Jose V. Gambito and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Regional Director Lucia Alan led the blessing and inauguration of the new Social Welfare and Development satellite office on September 2. The new office is strategically located on the ground floor of the Dumlao Stadium, within the Nueva Vizcaya Sports Complex. The new office replaces the previous location at the Provincial Capitol, providing a more accessible and spacious environment for both staff and clients. During the event, Gov. Gambito emphasized his commitment to continue collaborating with the national government in delivering assistance to the people of Nueva Vizcaya. “Our goal is clear: no Vizcayano will be left behind when it comes to government services,” he stated. “We will work tirelessly to ensure that every individual in need receives the support they deserve.” In his message, Gambito also urged the Social Welfare and Development office staff to maintain a cordial and welcoming attitude toward their clients. “Compassion and understanding are essential in our line of work. I encourage all of you to foster a friendly environment for those who seek our help,” he added. During the inauguration, Regional Director Lucia Suyu- Alan made a request to Governor Gambito to consider relocating the 4Ps (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program) office to the Dumlao Stadium as well. She proposed that this move would create a one-stop shop for social services, streamlining assistance for the community. Governor Gambito immediately approved this request, further enhancing the office’s capacity to serve the public effectively. The event was also graced by the presence of Bayombong Mayor Antonio Sergio G. Bagasao, PSWD Officer Flordelina C. Granada, and Mr. Lopito Valdez, who represented the office of the Congresswoman. The DSWD satellite office will continue to offer a wide range of services, including social welfare programs, disaster response efforts, and community assistance. This newly enhanced facility is expected to significantly boost the efficiency and effectiveness of these critical services, ensuring that the community’s needs are met more effectively while providing a more comfortable environment for clients seeking assistance.

By Rachel Magday   BAYOMBONG,Nueva Vizcaya — Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito, together with Major General Gulliver L. Señires PA, 5th Infantry Division (5ID) Commander, officially led the blessing ceremony for the newly constructed 203rd Community Defense Center Multi-Purpose Hall located at the provincial capitol,here. The project, which was funded by the provincial government to the tune of P1.7 million, was initially requested during the tenure of the late Governor Carlos M. Padilla. Major Flodemonte S. Gerdan, PA (RES), Battalion Commander of the 203rd Ready Reserve Infantry Battalion (RR IBn), expressed gratitude for the new facility, noting that the old CDC building was too small to accommodate their activities. He acknowledged the significant role of Gov. Padilla in securing the funds and praised Gov. Gambito for continuing the project after assuming office in 2022. “This new facility is expected to be a hub for various military and civic activities,” Major Gerdan stated. “It will also serve as quarters for the 203rd Ready Reserve Infantry Battalion, providing a much-needed space for training and coordination.” Governor Gambito, in his message, emphasized the importance of the project as a testament to the strong coordination and cooperation between the provincial government and the Philippine Army. “This project is proof of our excellent partnership in terms of peace and order and especially in responding to calamities that hit our province,” Gov. Gambito said. “This multi-purpose hall stands as a symbol of our steadfast commitment to fostering a safe and resilient community,” Gov. Gambito elaborated. “Through this facility, we aim to enhance the capabilities of our reservists, ensuring they are well-equipped and prepared to respond swiftly and effectively during emergencies. The reservists of the Philippine Army have been invaluable partners in disaster response and maintaining peace and order. Their dedication and readiness to serve during times of need highlight our collective strength and unity. The collaboration between the provincial government and the Philippine Army exemplifies how united efforts can lead to meaningful and impactful outcomes for our constituents.” The event was attended by notable figures including Vice Governor Eufemia A. Dacayo, Board Member Florante S. Gerdan, and Elma Pinao an Lejao, all of whom are also reservists of the Philippine Army in Nueva Vizcaya.