By Rachell Galamay -Cagayan PIO   Naniniwala si Governor Manuel Mamba na hindi malulutas ang problema sa malawakang pagbabaha na nanaranasan sa Cagayan kung hindi ito malalaman at makikita ng National Government. Binigyang-diin ni Gob. Mamba na kinakailangang malaman ng National Government ang problemang mayroon ang Cagayan dahil sa patuloy na pagbabahang nararanasan sa lalawigan Cagayan matapos itong sunud-sunod na bayuhin ng mga nagdaang bagyo. Nangangamba rin si Gob. Mamba na magiging decaying province ang probinsya dahil sa kakulangan sa polisiya at epektibong batas na tututok sa paglutas sa suliraning pangkalikasan. “Problema ito ngayon, habang sinisira natin ang environment natin, habang hindi tayo nagkakaroon ng mga polisiya at regulasyon, habang wala tayong enforcement authorities na tututok dito, our province will become a dessert soon, this is where we are going. This is the reality, it will be a decaying province ang probinsiya natin, if we will not do something, if we will let the National Government know our problems this will end, yung nangyari sa Gonzaga, inilapit na natin sa DENR to investigate it,” pahayag ng Gobernador. Nakikipag-ugnayan na rin si Mamba sa mga kinauukulan at national leaders upang mabigyan ng tamang solusyon ang mga problemang kinahararap. Ayon kay Mamba, ang mga ginagawang pagsisikap ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Cagayan ay hindi para sa pansariling kapakanan nguni’t higit lalo sa susunod na henerasyon. “I will thrive nations, I will thrive leaders about our problem, yung mga tao na who never surrender, who never stop initiating. What we are doing is to organize people, capacitate people, letting everyone know the problem [in our province] na hindi involve ang pulitika, problema lang. Because we are doing this not for ourselves, but for our children, for our future generations, haan nga mabalin nga ipatawid tayo daytoy nga klase iti rigat kadagiti annak tayu,” dagdag pa nito. Siniguro din nito na patuloy ang ginagawang pagsisikap ng PGC upang matugunan ang pangangailangan ng mamamayan lalo na ang paglalaan ng pondo at mga proyekto upang mabigyan ng kapasidad ang bawat Local Government Unit (LGU) lalo na sa pagkontrol sa mga nararanasang localize flooding sa kanilang nasasakupan. Samantala, hinikayat ni Gob. Mamba ang mga empleyado ng Kapitolyo ng Cagayan na gawin ang kanilang trabaho higit sa pagbibigay serbisyo sa mga mamamayan, dahil sa gobyerno lamang umaasa ang taong-bayan lalo na sa panahon ng pangangailangan.

By Badz Heralde   TUGUEGARAO CITY — Pumirma ng Memorandum of Agreement ang Provincial Government of Cagayan (PGC) at Department of Interior and the Local Government (DILG) Region II, kaugnay sa proyektong “Kwarto ni Neneng” sa Capitol Main Building, Tuguegarao City, noong Nobyembre 18. Si Gov. Manuel Mamba ang lumagda bilang kinatawan ng PGC habang si Regional Director Agnes De Leon na inirepresenta ni Assistant Regional Director Elpidio A. Durwin para naman sa DILG. Ang “Kwarto ni Neneng” ay proyekto na binuo ng mga miyembro ng Provincial Peace and Order Council sa pamumuno ni Gov. Mamba na may layuning tugunan ang problema sa “rape, acts of lasciviousness” at iba pang karahasan sa mga kababaihan at kabataan sa lalawigan. Tinukoy sa MOA ang tungkulin ng PGC kung saan kabilang dito ang paggawa ng plano, disenyo at implementasyon ng proyekto. Sa panig naman ng DILG, naglaan ang ahensiya ng P500,000 na halaga para sa pagpapatupad nito. Sa pondong ibinigay ng DILG, mayroong 29 na benepisaryo ang tinukoy ng Technical Working Group na kinabibilangan ng PNP-Women and Children Protection Desk, DILG, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) at Provincial Engineering Office (PEO). Ang 29 na benepisaryo ay mula sa 27 na bayan sa Cagayan na may mga biktima ng panggahasa. Layunin ng “Kwarto ni Neneng” project na lagyan ng kwarto ang mga kabahayan ng mga benepisyaryo na maghihiwalay sa mga lalaki at babae. Ang hakbang na ito ay nabuo matapos lumabas sa imbestigasyon ng mga otoridad na ang mga biktima ng karahasan o panggagahasa kadalasang may iisa lamang na kwarto sa kanilang tahanan o “shared room” na posibleng dahilan kung bakit nangyayari ang krimen lalo na kapag nasa impluwensiya ng nakalalasing na inumin ang lalaking miyembro ng pamilya. Samantala, nakasama sa MOA signing si Col. Mardito Anguluan, hepe ng Cagayan PNP;  Elvira Layus ng PSWDO; Engr. Maria Loida Urmatam, provincial director ng DILG Cagayan, mga kawani ng DILG R02, PGC at PNP.    

By Rachel Magday BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya — Highlighting the essence of true public service, Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito called on newly appointed and promoted provincial government employees to prioritize serving the citizens of Nueva Vizcaya during an Oathtaking Ceremony held last Friday, November 8. Speaking from his office, Gov. Gambito emphasized that the real power lies with the people, urging employees to work with integrity and commitment for those who are the rightful owners of the government. “I am not your boss, so you don’t need to please me,” Gov. Gambito stated. “Work diligently for the people because they are the true owners of the government we work for.” The governor stressed the need for government employees to be cordial and treat clients with respect, as they are entrusted with the responsibility of managing the government on behalf of the public. He specifically appealed to the newly hired doctors and nurses at the provincially managed hospitals to provide compassionate care to their patients. “As governor, it reflects poorly on us if hospital staff do not treat patients well,” he noted. “I understand the challenges and stress of your work, but please also consider the difficult circumstances of patients who are in survival mode every day.” Gov. Gambito also advised employees to focus on their duties and not engage with toxic colleagues, encouraging them to maintain professionalism and dedication. He expressed gratitude for the exemplary conduct of the Capitol employees, which earned the provincial government a Silver Award for a very satisfactory rating of 90.1 in the ARTA report card survey, recognizing their outstanding efforts in public service. Among those who took their oaths of office were: Kathyleen D. Marcelo, appointed as the new Provincial General Services Officer (PGSO Department Head) Marichelle O. Costales, Assistant Department Head of the Provincial Tourism and Culture Office Delano Ross B. Pahimna, Admin Officer IV (Governor’s Office) John Paul R. Ngabbu and Joanna M. Galanta, Executive Assistant I (Governor’s Office) Erickson C. Miranda, Licensing Officer II (PENARO) Shemah Angela G. Claveria, Admin Assistant III (Provincial Legal Office) Jonem Mae B. Billedo, Nursing Attendant I Evangeline M. Hernaez, Midwife II (Provincial Health Integrated Office – PIHO) Dr. Irina G. Cortez, Medical Officer III (NVPH) Dr. Arthur Jake C. Aguedan, Medical Officer III (Diadi Emergency Hospital) Dr. Chelsea Mara G. Fragara, Medical Officer III (Bagabag District Hospital) Erenia W. Quines, Pharmacist II (LTMH) Cenon Reymund T. Tanwangco, Nurse III (BDH) The swearing-in of new employees underscores the provincial government’s dedication to enhancing public service, ensuring that the needs of Nueva Vizcaya’s citizens are met with greater efficiency and care.

  By Rachell Galamay-Cagayan PIO Nakatakdang ipatupad ng Department of Education (DepEd) ngayong Nobyembre ang Dynamic Learning Program sa mga paaralan na matinding naapektuhan dahil sa pananalasa ng mga nagdaang kalamidad. Ayon kay DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara, layunin ng bagong programa na matugunan ang pagkaantala sa pag-aaral ng mga estudyante sa pamamagitan ng pagsasagawa ng make-up classes, paggamit ng simple at targeted activity sheets, at pagbuo ng temporary learning spaces. Bukod dito, maaari ring magsagawa ang mga apektadong paaralan ng parallel classes, activity-based learning, at minimal homework load na ibibigay sa mga estudyante. Sisimulan ang pilot implementation ng Dynamic Learning Program (DLP) sa mga paaralan na matinding naapektuhan ng kalamidad partikular na sa Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Bicol, at Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). Sa pinakahuling datos ng naturang ahensiya nasa halos 3.97 milyong mag-aaral at 181,270 teaching at non-teaching staff mula sa 10,947 paaralan ang apektado sa suspensyon ng klase noong nagdaang bagyo. Aabot na rin sa higit P396-milyon ang kinakailangang pondo para sa pagsasaayos ng mga nasirang imprastruktura, kabilang na rito ang 113 totally destroyed classrooms at 227 na partially destroyed, kasama na ang mga nasirang palikuran, wash facilities, at kagamitan.

By Rachell Galamay-Cagayan PIO Idineklara ni Pangulong Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. ang Nobyembre 04, bilang National Mourning Day upang alalahanin ang mga nasawing biktima ng pananalasa ng bagyong ‘Kristine’. Ito ay batay sa Proclamation No. 728 na inilabas ng Malacañang Palace, kung saan hinimok ng Pangulo ang mamamayang Pilipino sa bansa na ipagdasal, bigyang paggalang, at pakikiramay ang mga nasawi bunsod ng malawakang pagbaha at pag-uulang dala ng bagyong ‘Kristine’ noong Oktubre 21 hanggang 25. Ipinag-utos din ng Pangulo sa lahat ng opisina at tanggapan ng gobyerno na isagawa ang paglalagay ng watawat sa ‘half-mast’ alinsunod sa Republic Act No. 8491 o Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines bilang tanda ng pakikiramay at pagpupugay. Sa pinakahuling pagtataya ng National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC),umabot na sa mahigit 7 milyong mamamayang Pilipino ang naapektuhan ng bagyo, 139 dito ang nasawi. Bukod dito, iniulat din ng Department of Agriculture (DA) na umabot na sa P3.11-B ang natamong pinsala sa sektor ng agrikultura dahil sa bagyo.

By Rachel Magday In an inspiring achievement for both her community and the province, Hannah Mae R. Guimbongan has emerged as the topnotcher in this year’s Geodetic Engineers Licensure Examination. A proud Sagut scholar and cum laude graduate of the Bachelor of Science in Geodetic Engineering from Nueva Vizcaya State University(NVSU), Guimbongan’s success is a testament to her hard work and determination. With the support of the provincial government led by Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito, she has proven that students from small provinces can excel and compete with their peers from larger universities. Reflecting on her unexpected success, Guimbongan shared, “I knew I would pass the board exam because I gave it my all, but I never anticipated being number one.” The moment she learned of her achievement was filled with emotion; she was at her aunt’s house and immediately reached out to her parents in Baracbac, Sta. Fe. The news sparked an outpouring of joy, with both parents shedding tears of happiness. Her mother, Emilita, hails from an Ilocano background, while her father, Noel, is a Kalanguya. Guimbongan expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the provincial government, stating that the Sagut Scholarship Program played a crucial role in her ability to complete her studies and achieve this milestone. Interestingly, Guimbongan’s journey to Geodetic Engineering was not her original plan. Initially aspiring to study Civil Engineering, she was unable to secure a spot in that program and instead enrolled in Geodetic Engineering—a decision that ultimately led her to discover her passion for the field. The board examination, held on October 17-18, 2024, not only tested the skills of aspiring geodetic engineers but also highlighted the potential of students who receive support from government scholarship programs. In recognition of her remarkable achievement, Guimbongan will receive a ₱200,000 incentive, becoming the second recipient of the Topnotchers Incentive Ordinance established by the provincial government. This ordinance rewards Novo Vizcayanos who achieve top rankings in board examinations. The first recipient was Kharam Molbog from Solano, who topped the Medical Technology Licensure Examination. Governor Gambito expressed his pride in Guimbongan’s accomplishment, stating, “Hannah Mae’s success is a shining example of what hard work and determination can achieve. As I often say, I am committed to preparing our province for the youth, and I encourage them to prepare themselves in return. One of the most effective ways to do this is by dedicating themselves to their studies and earning a degree. We are incredibly proud of her achievement and hope that her story inspires other students to pursue their dreams. The provincial government remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting our youth in their educational endeavors.” Guimbongan’s achievement inspires aspiring engineers in the region, showcasing the value of hard work and the importance of support programs like the Sagut Scholarship, initiated during Governor Carlos M. Padilla’s administration. The program maintains 300 scholars annually with an allocation of around ₱20 million each year.      

By Rachel Magday The provincial government of Nueva Vizcaya, under the leadership of Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito, through the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENARO), proudly reported a significant increase in the collection of sand and gravel fees, amounting to ₱46,936,691.62 from January to September 2024. This impressive figure represents a collection efficiency of 144.39%, a testament to the rigorous regulations implemented by PENARO. During the flag-raising ceremony today, PENARO head, Forester Tito Tanguilig shared the positive news, highlighting that the revenue generated from sand and gravel fees is distributed among the barangays (40%) and the municipal and provincial governments, each receiving 30%. The provincial government’s share alone amounts to ₱23,083,244. Forester Tanguilig expressed optimism that, with three months remaining in the year, they could potentially collect an additional ₱10 million. The PENARO has set a target collection of ₱32.5 million for sand and gravel fees this year, and with the current momentum, achieving this goal seems increasingly attainable. Governor Gambito commended the efforts of PENARO in ensuring the sustainable management of natural resources while also maximizing revenue for local development. The ongoing increase in collections not only reflects the effectiveness of their regulatory measures but also underscores the provincial government’s commitment to fostering growth and benefiting local communities.      

Mayor Jay L. Diaz and the City of Ilagan for being adjudged by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry as the 2024 Most Business-Friendly City in the Philippines. “Awards and recognitions are just consolations; what matters most is that we are performing our duties and obligations for the best interest of the people.” – Mayor Diaz    

  By Rachel Magday The provincial government of Nueva Vizcaya has once again demonstrated its excellence in governance and fiscal management by securing the fourth spot nationwide for year-on-year growth in local source revenues for 2023. This prestigious recognition was awarded during the 37th anniversary of the Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) and stakeholders recognition ceremony, held at Seda Bay, Manila, with Department of Finance Secretary Ralph Recto presiding over the event. Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito, accompanied by Provincial Treasurer Rhoda S. Moreno, proudly accepted the award, highlighting the province’s remarkable 68.20 percent increase in local source revenues. This achievement underscores Nueva Vizcaya’s effective strategies in revenue generation, fiscal discipline, and economic development initiatives. “This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our local government and the people of Nueva Vizcaya,” said Governor Gambito. “Our commitment to innovative governance and fiscal responsibility has paved the way for this success, and we will continue to strive for excellence in serving our community. We are not only setting a benchmark for other provinces but also ensuring a brighter future for our constituents by fostering sustainable economic growth.” Provincial Treasurer Moreno added, “The remarkable escalation of our local sources is the result of the various innovative approaches introduced by the Provincial Treasury coupled with the tax ordinances passed by the SP granting discounts and providing convenience for our taxpayers to pay in staggered payments without penalties, and of course, the strong support of our Governor, Atty. Jose Gambito, to our revenue generation activities geared toward the increase of our locally-sourced revenues.” The accolade was part of the BLGF’s initiative to acknowledge top-performing local government units in strengthening local government finance for fiscal years 2022 and 2023, as outlined in BLGF Memorandum Circular 017-202, dated August 19. The data supporting these achievements were drawn from the Statements of Receipts and Expenditures (SRE) reports for FY 2019, 2022, and 2023. These reports, submitted by Local Treasurers, were meticulously evaluated by the Bureau of Local Financial Data Analysis Division (LFDAD) and verified by the concerned BLGF regional offices. Nueva Vizcaya stands out as the only province from the Cagayan Valley region to rank in the top ten for local revenue growth in 2023, showcasing its leadership and innovative governance. Other provinces in the top ten include Negros Occidental, Camarines Sur, North Cotabato, Misamis Occidental, Zambales, Palawan, Nueva Ecija, Sorsogon, and Davao Oriental.