Gov.Gambito warns of ‘Worst-Case Scenario’ By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines -‘ Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito has ordered stricter austerity measures across the provincial government, warning of a potential “worst-case scenario” as surging fuel prices continue to strain the economy amid tensions in the Middle East. The directive came during an emergency meeting convened Monday with department heads to map out additional interventions to mitigate the deepening impact of the crisis on both government operations and vulnerable communities. Gambito called for disciplined spending and forward planning, urging officials to brace for prolonged economic strain. “Let us assume that we are moving toward a situation of scarcity. To sustain ourselves, we must save so that we have resources when they are most needed,” he said, stressing that the scenario, while extreme, remains possible if geopolitical tensions persist. Savings generated from the intensified austerity program, he said, will be redirected to fund financial assistance for vulnerable sectors, particularly those still recovering from recent calamities. “Many of our farmers are only beginning to recover from the effects of recent typhoons. Now they are confronted with another crisis,” the governor added. As part of intensified cost-cutting efforts, the provincial government is eyeing the suspension of non-essential programs, projects, and activities (PPAs), particularly those that can be deferred without compromising the office performance. These include capability-building initiatives and certain infrastructure projects that may be implemented in phases. From these measures, the province expects to generate savings, including an estimated ₱5 million specifically from the temporary suspension of capability-building activities. The provincial government is also considering scaling down the Grand Ammungan Festival, with proposals to shorten the celebration from five days to a single-day event. The festival has an allocated budget of ₱15 million, part of which could be realigned under the austerity program. Meanwhile, potential savings of around ₱5 million are being eyed from the temporary suspension of selected capability-building programs Earlier, the provincial government implemented a four-day workweek as an initial austerity measure. Meanwhile, financial assistance for the transport sector is currently being processed, with the provincial government allocating ₱18 million for the program. Additional support initiatives are also underway. The “Bagas ti Umili” program, with a budget of ₱17.2 million, is set to be rolled out next month. This is on top of the ₱80-million rice subsidy program funded by the national government and implemented at the provincial level. Support for the agriculture sector will also continue through the provision of agricultural inputs and seed subsidies. “Our people must feel that in the midst of this crisis, there is a government that genuinely cares for them”, Gov Gambito said. “We are dealing with a a very serious problem that affects everyone—perhaps even more severe than COVID-19. By providing assistance, we aim to restore the purchasing power of our citizens and help revive the local economy”.

By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — Farmers in Nueva Vizcaya may soon be able to supply their produce directly to institutional buyers in Metro Manila under a proposed partnership between the provincial government and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). The initiative was presented during a courtesy call at the office of Gov. Atty. Jose V. Gambito by officials of the DTI Supply Chain and Logistics Group (DTI-SCLG), led by Undersecretary Jean Pacheco, along with agri-partner Mayani headed by chief executive officer JT Solis, Agro-DigitalPH chief executive officer Henry James Sison, and representatives from FAST Logistics. The proposal seeks to improve market access for farmers by allowing them to sell directly to supermarkets and other institutional buyers, cutting post-harvest losses and reducing reliance on middlemen. Also included in the plan is a smart farming platform that would guide planting and harvesting schedules. The system will be implemented in coordination with the Provincial Agriculturist to support data-driven planning and better match farm output with market demand. Under the proposed arrangement, harvested produce would be brought to e-fulfillment centers for processing, packaging and distribution at fair prices. The initiative adopts an integrated and circular approach to agricultural production, promoting efficient use of inputs while converting byproducts into compost fertilizer to support sustainability and minimize waste. The project also includes Mayani’s “Grand Bagsakan Walang Sayang” initiative, the establishment of cold storage facilities, and digitalized systems aimed at strengthening the supply chain and improving logistics. Gambito expressed support for the proposal, saying it could expand market opportunities for farmers, raise their incomes and lessen risks in production and marketing. “As long as it is for the benefit of our farmers, I am always supportive of programs like this. This initiative can open more market opportunities for them, help increase their income, and reduce the risks they face in production and marketing,” he said. The partnership is expected to provide Nueva Vizcaya farmers with a more stable and efficient route for bringing their products to major buyers in the capital.

By Rachel Magday NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines —The Joint Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (JRTF-ELCAC) in Region 2 has formally declared Cagayan Valley “insurgency-free” and placed it under a State of Stable Internal Peace and Security (SSIPS). The declaration was approved through a resolution during the task force’s full council meeting on March 24, 2026, held at Ammungan Hall and hosted by the provincial government of Nueva Vizcaya. Cagayan Governor Edgar B. Aglipay, chair of the JRTF-ELCAC Regional Council, presided over the meeting. The resolution cited sustained and coordinated efforts among national government agencies, security forces, local government units, and communities as key to achieving the milestone, following the government’s whole-of-nation approach to ending insurgency. Through the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC), coordinated measures were carried out not only to address security concerns but also to deliver services, infrastructure, and livelihood programs to communities previously affected by conflict. Before the regional declaration, the province of Nueva Vizcaya had already been declared an insurgency-free province in 2023 under the leadership of Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito. Gambito said the regional declaration is expected to open more opportunities for growth and development across Cagayan Valley, citing Nueva Vizcaya’s experience after it was declared insurgency-free. “Our experience in Nueva Vizcaya showed that peace and security create a strong foundation for development. After the province was declared insurgency-free in 2023, we saw increased investor confidence, more business opportunities, and stronger economic activity,” Gambito said. “With the entire Cagayan Valley now declared insurgency-free, we expect these benefits to be felt across the region. This will encourage more investments, improve livelihood opportunities, boost tourism, and further accelerate progress in the region”, Gambito added.

By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), in coordination with the Provincial Government of Nueva Vizcaya, distributed close to P1 million worth of assistance to 58 distressed overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). The payout ceremony was held at the Old FTM Building in Bayombong and facilitated with support from the Public Employment Service Division (PESD). Beneficiaries received various forms of support, including medical and livelihood assistance. The family of a deceased OFW from Aritao was also granted burial and death benefits. PESD chief Dolly Rose Minas urged distressed OFWs, including those recently repatriated due to tensions in the Middle East, to register at the OFW Welfare Center located at the provincial capitol. “Registration will help establish a database of OFWs in need, allowing authorities to provide timely and appropriate assistance,” Minas said. Board Member Flodemonte Gerdan, representing Governor Jose V. Gambito, cited the importance of sustained government intervention for OFWs and disclosed plans of Gov Gambito to establish a One-Stop Shop integrating services of OWWA and the Department of Migrant Workers. OWWA Regional Director Virsie Tamayao reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to OFW welfare and thanked the provincial government for providing office space that would enhance service delivery in the province.

By Rachel Magday   DUPAX DEL SUR, Nueva Vizcaya — Law enforcement authorities uprooted and destroyed an estimated ₱20 million worth of marijuana plants following the discovery of a hidden plantation in a remote upland area here on Tuesday, March 17. The operation, carried out in Sitio Gunot, Barangay Kimbutan, was led by the Dupax del Sur Municipal Police Station under Police Major Anthony Ayungo, in coordination with the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company, the Provincial Intelligence Unit, and the Provincial Drug Enforcement Agency(PDEA). Police said the marijuana plantation was discovered by operatives on the afternoon of March 16 while conducting monitoring operations in Sitio Gunot. The discovery prompted immediate verification, which confirmed the presence of the illegal cultivation site, leading authorities to swiftly launch an operation to dismantle the plantation and identify those responsible. A total of 10,311 marijuana plants were uprooted from a 1,200-square-meter site. Authorities noted that a significant portion of the crop was already mature and nearing harvest, while the rest were in various stages of growth. Ayungo said the plantation showed clear indications of organized cultivation, with the terrain deliberately prepared for planting. Its remote location—accessible only after more than an hour of trekking—suggested a calculated effort to avoid detection. No individuals were apprehended during the operation. However, investigators observed signs that the plants had been recently sprayed, indicating that the cultivators may have fled shortly before authorities arrived. Sufficient samples were collected and preserved for submission to the Provincial Forensic Unit (PFU) for laboratory examination, while the remaining plants were destroyed at the site through burning. Police have launched follow-up investigations to identify those behind the illegal operation and to file appropriate charges. Authorities described the operation as a major setback to illegal drug production in the province, underscoring that the destruction of the plantation prevented the circulation of prohibited substances in surrounding communities. The Philippine National Police also assured that sustained monitoring and surveillance operations will be conducted in the area and nearby localities to prevent future cultivation.  

By Rachel Magday   Nueva Vizcaya Lone District Representative Atty. Timothy Joseph E. Cayton has voiced his strong support for House Bill 8081, the National Minimum Wage Act, which seeks to replace the current regional and provincial wage system with a single national minimum wage for all Filipino workers. He made the declaration amid renewed calls to raise pay after successive increases in petroleum prices, which have triggered a domino effect of higher transport and goods costs across the economy. “Workers performing the same tasks should receive the same pay, regardless of where they live,” Rep. Cayton said. “It is unfair that provincial workers earn substantially less than those in Metro Manila despite equal effort and value in their labor.” Cayton highlighted the wage gap between regions as a driving reason for the reform. In Nueva Vizcaya the provincial minimum wage is approximately ₱500 per day, compared with ₱695 per day in the National Capital Region. Under HB 8081, the initial national minimum would be anchored to the region with the highest current wage—currently Metro Manila—establishing a uniform wage floor nationwide. “HB 8081 is one of the most significant labor reforms in recent years,” Cayton said. “Closing the gap in provincial wages sends a clear message that development should not be limited to major cities. Growth must be shared by every Filipino worker, wherever they are”. Beyond wages, Cayton framed the proposal as a matter of dignity and inclusive growth. “Equal pay for equal work recognizes the worth of Filipino labor and uplifts communities outside the cities. Increasing the minimum wage will boost purchasing power, helping families and strengthening local businesses,” he said. Rep. Cayton called on fellow lawmakers and stakeholders to prioritize the measure so that the benefits of economic growth reach workers in every province. The bill is currently pending in the House of Representatives.

Nueva Vizcaya Lone District Representative Timothy Joseph Cayton has expressed his full support for the proposed National Minimum Wage Act, which aims to abolish the current regional and provincial wage system and establish a single national minimum wage for all Filipino workers. According to Cayton, it is time to implement a fair wage system where workers in provinces are not paid less despite doing the same job and sacrifices as those in Metro Manila. “It is unjust that a worker in the province is paid less compared to Metro Manila, given the same hardship and value of their work,” Cayton said. Currently, the provincial minimum wage in Nueva Vizcaya is around ₱500 per day, far from the minimum wage in the National Capital Region. “HB 8081 is one of the most historic reforms for workers in a long time. Under the proposal, the current regional wage structure will be abolished and replaced with a single national minimum wage to ensure fairer and more equitable wages for all,” he added. Under the proposal, the initial national minimum wage rate will be based on the region with the highest wage in the country. Currently, the minimum wage in Metro Manila is ₱695 per day, which will serve as the basis for the new national rate. Cayton emphasized that this reform is not just about wages but about dignity and recognition of the value of every Filipino worker. “The goal is simple but fair. Equal pay for equal work. Workers should not be penalized just because they are in the provinces. Raising the minimum wage will also boost the local economy as families will have more ability to spend and support businesses in their community,” he explained. For Cayton, this proposal is a significant step towards reducing wage inequality in the country and ensuring that economic progress is truly felt by Filipino workers everywhere. “Ending provincial wage disparity is a clear message that progress is not just for cities, but for the entire country,” Cayton concluded.          

NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — The Provincial Government has begun implementing a 4-day compressed work week effective today, March 9, in compliance with Memorandum Circular No. 114 issued by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., and upon the directive of Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito. The measure was finalized during a meeting held this afternoon and presided over by Provincial Administrator King Webster Balawing. Under the arrangement, provincial government employees will work four days a week from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM in order to complete the required 40 working hours per week. For today only, employees are required to log out at 7:00 PM to complete the 10-hour work requirement, while the regular 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM schedule will begin tomorrow. The 4-day compressed work week forms part of the government’s austerity measures in anticipation of the possible effects of rising petroleum prices brought about by the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. Meanwhile, provincial government offices providing essential services, including hospitals, are exempted from the 4-day work week and will continue to operate Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.          

By Rachel Magday   Woogle Corporation has committed to pull out all of its equipment from Sitio Keon, Barangay Bitnong, Dupax del Norte, Nueva Vizcaya following the suspension order issued by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) on the company’s exploration permit. The commitment was made by Woogle Corporation President Tommy Alfonso during a Senate Committee on Local Government hearing on Tuesday to address mining concerns in the municipality. During the hearing, Committee Chair Sen. Jinggoy Estrada said the company should remove all its equipment to dispel doubts among residents that Woogle intends to continue its exploration activities despite the suspension order. Alfonso said pulling out the equipment would be easy, but the rehabilitation of the affected area could take months. He explained that the company would need to plant trees as part of its rehabilitation efforts before fully completing its withdrawal from the site. Estrada added that it would be up to the MGB whether to permanently cancel the exploration permit previously granted to the company. During the hearing, it was revealed that no proper consultations were conducted with the barangays covered by the exploration activities. Barangay chairpersons within the affected areas maintained that what took place was merely a presentation of the company’s profile and not a formal consultation. They said they were not asked whether they consented to mining operations in their respective barangays. It was also agreed during the hearing that alongside the pullout of equipment, the company would be allowed to release the ore samples it had extracted and turn them over to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for further study. Estrada told barangay officials to immediately inform him if the company returns any equipment to the area, saying he would personally look into the matter. Also present at the Senate hearing was former governor Ruth R. Padilla, who reiterated her strong opposition to mining activities in Nueva Vizcaya. According to the former governor, the cost of mining would be the destruction of mountains and farmlands, directly affecting farmers who depend on the land for their livelihood.