By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — Declaring that there can be no productive Nueva Vizcaya and no food security without farmers and fisherfolk, Governor Jose V. Gambito vowed to sustain and expand government support for the agriculture sector during the 2026 Provincial Farmers and Fisherfolk Month celebration held at the Carlos M. Padilla Convention Center. Speaking before farmers, fisherfolk, and agriculture stakeholders, Gambito said his administration will continue to prioritize programs that directly benefit food producers, stressing that the sector remains the backbone of the province’s economy and the country’s food supply. “My dream is to see you driving your own air‑conditioned vehicles and enjoying comfortable, dignified lives. In other countries, farmers have become millionaires — that is the future I want for our farmers here in Nueva Vizcaya,” Gambito said. He said farmers and fisherfolk deserve stronger government support because the province and the country depend on them for food. “There can be no thriving Nueva Vizcaya, no effective government, and no food on Filipino tables without you,” Gambito said. “Food security rests in your hands, so government resources must go to agriculture.” Gambito recalled that upon assuming office after the passing of Governor Carlos M. Padilla, he told provincial department heads that agriculture would be his administration’s top priority and instructed them to minimize travel and shelve low-impact programs, redirecting the savings toward direct assistance for farmers and fisherfolk. He cited flagship projects Kalsada ti Kabanbantayan and Dalan ti Umili—focused on upgrading farm-to-market and rural roads—which, he said, will cut transport costs, reduce post-harvest losses, and get produce to market faster. The governor also said his office is coordinating with various farmers’ cooperatives for a capital assistance program that would allow farmers to borrow funds for production, with the provincial government shouldering the interest payments. In addition, the provincial government has allocated funds for the purchase of solar water pumps to be distributed to farmers’ organizations as part of efforts to improve irrigation access and reduce production expenses. Gambito also reiterated his goal of transforming Nueva Vizcaya into an organic province, saying the provincial government is already coordinating with the Department of Agriculture to seek additional funding for organic farming programs. Gambito gave assurance that agriculture will remain at the center of his administration’s development agenda, stressing that every program for farmers and fisherfolk is an investment in the province’s future. “For as long as I serve as governor, our farmers and fisherfolk will never be left behind. Supporting agriculture means securing the future of Nueva Vizcaya, strengthening our communities, and ensuring that food reaches every Filipino table,” Gambito said. He also called on the agriculture sector and the people of Nueva Vizcaya to remain united, prayerful, and committed to the province’s progress, saying that genuine development begins with love for one’s home. “We have only one province to call our own. Let us protect it, nurture it, and work together for its future because wherever life may bring us, Nueva Vizcaya will always be the home we return to,” he said.

By Victor Martin   SANTIAGO CITY, Isabela — The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) in Region 2 (Cagayan Valley), along with mining companies operating in the region will hold the 5th Regional Mining Conference and 2026 Stakeholders’ Forum at Casa Jardin here today,24 June. Engineer Mario Ancheta, MGB Region 2 director, said the forum is designed as a platform for dialogue, knowledge sharing, and collaboration among government agencies, local government units, and communities on responsible mineral development. “The gathering will focus on strengthening partnerships, promoting best practices, and showcasing initiatives that contribute to environmental stewardship and sustainable community development,” Ancheta said. He added that MGB Region 2 aims to create space for direct engagement on how mining activities can align with environmental protection and community resilience by bringing stakeholders together. The conference, Ancheta said, comes at a time when mining operations in the Cagayan Valley region are under close public and regulatory scrutiny. “At the forum, key discussion points are expected to include mine rehabilitation and reforestation, water quality monitoring, waste management, and community development programs tied to mining permits,” Ancheta added. Cagayan Valley is home to several major mining operations, including the Didipio Mine in Kasibu town and FCF Minerals Corp. in Quezon town, both in Nueva Vizcaya; the Dinapigue Mining Corporation in the coastal town of Dinapigue in Isabela, and the JDVC Resources Corp., an offshore mining company in Cagayan province. The region also hosts several mining exploration companies such as the Woggle Corp. and North Luzon Minerals Resources Corp. MGB said the mining companies in Region 2 were strictly monitored especially the implementation of their corporate social responsibility projects such as scholarship grants, infrastructure improvements, and skills training for host communities. The 2026 Stakeholders’ Forum with the theme “Resilient Mining Communities through Environmental Stewardship and Sustainable Development Initiatives,” is the fifth edition of the regional conference. “Meaningful dialogue among all sectors is necessary to balance resource development with environmental protection and social welfare,” Ancheta said.

By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — Nearly 1,400 college students and solo parents in Nueva Vizcaya received close to P7 million in cash assistance from the provincial government as part of efforts to support vulnerable families struggling with education costs and rising daily expenses. Gov. Atty. Jose V. Gambito led the distribution of assistance at the Carlos M. Padilla Convention Center, where each of the 1,397 beneficiaries received P5,000 under the province’s “Gobierno A naaYat iYEg kadagiti Marigrigat” or GAYYEM Program. Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Flordelina Granada said the payout amounted to P6.985 million and was implemented by their office. Of the total beneficiaries, 757 were college students whose families had exited the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, or 4Ps, while 640 were solo parents from the municipalities of Kasibu,Diadi and Quezon. In his message, Gambito said the provincial government stepped in to help students from former 4Ps families continue their education, noting that many could face difficulty staying in school after their families graduated from the national government’s conditional cash transfer program. “It is important that you finish your studies, not only to improve your own future but also to help lift your families out of poverty. Through education, you prepare yourselves for greater opportunities—and perhaps one day, one of you will become a leader of our province,” Gambito said. The governor also paid tribute to solo parents, acknowledging the heavy burdens they bear amid rising prices. “Even couples where both spouses work still struggle to make ends meet, yet you, as solo parents, shoulder your family’s daily needs on your own,” Gambito said, stressing that solo parents often face greater hardship than two‑income households. Gambito said the province would continue similar assistance programs to ensure that Novo Vizcayanos, especially those in marginalized sectors, feel the support of the provincial government during difficult times. The latest payout followed an earlier distribution of P5,000 each to 417 solo parents from Ambaguio, Dupax del Norte, Dupax del Sur, Kayapa and Kasibu. Beneficiaries thanked the provincial government, saying the financial aid would help cover school expenses, food and other daily needs                      

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan, Philippines – A registered nurse who was selling shabu was caught by the operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Region 2, after a successful buy-bust operation in Abulug, Cagayan, on June 17. PDEA-R2 Regional Director Gil Castro said the arrested person was identified as ‘Joel’, 32, a registered nurse of the Cagayan Valley Medical Center (CVMC) and a resident of Barangay Libertad, Abulug, Cagayan. According to Castro, after the suspect was confirmed to be selling illegal drugs. The operation was conducted, together with the police inside the said hospital at around 2:50 p.m. Operatives recovered from the suspect several sachets of shabu containing five grams and worth P34,000. The suspect will face charges for violation of R.A 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of 2002.      

By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — Nueva Vizcaya Lone District Rep. Atty. Timothy Joseph E. Cayton is pushing for the passage of House Bill No. 9226, or the DALI Act, which seeks to simplify and speed up the process of obtaining financial assistance and other forms of aid from government offices. The proposed measure aims to reduce documentary requirements and ensure that complete applications for government assistance are processed within three working days. Cayton said the bill is not limited to financial assistance provided by the Department of Social Welfare and Development but will cover all government agencies and offices that provide aid or assistance to Filipinos in need. “When people are already in distress, they should no longer be burdened with numerous requirements and repetitive processes. Government service should be direct, fast and compassionate,” Cayton said in Filipino. The DALI Act seeks to streamline procedures in the release of government assistance, including medical, burial, livelihood, emergency and other forms of aid extended by national government agencies, local government offices and other public institutions. At present, individuals seeking medical assistance from the DSWD under its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations program are required to present a valid identification card, an updated medical document such as a medical certificate or medical abstract, and a barangay certificate of indigency. A social case study report may also be required by a DSWD social worker, particularly for requests exceeding P5,000. Cayton said the current process in several government offices often requires applicants to submit multiple documents and undergo repeated verification, causing delays for people who urgently need help. He said the proposed DALI Act would help ensure that aid reaches beneficiaries more quickly, especially during medical emergencies, deaths in the family, disasters and other crisis situations.  

By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — Amid calls for greater transparency and accountability in the implementation of public infrastructure projects, Gov. Atty. Jose V. Gambito has directed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Nueva Vizcaya to furnish all municipal mayors with complete details of projects to be undertaken in their respective towns, including the corresponding programs of work. The directive was issued during the recent Provincial Development Council meeting presided over by Gambito, following a request from the League of Municipalities of the Philippines–Nueva Vizcaya chapter, through its president, Bambang Mayor Benjamin “Jamie” L. Cuaresma. Cuaresma said municipal officials need detailed project information to properly respond to complaints from constituents regarding defective, delayed, or incomplete infrastructure projects. He also emphasized that local governments must be equipped to exercise oversight, particularly on matters involving project monitoring, situs tax, and other fiscal or administrative concerns. During the meeting, Cuaresma pointed out that mayors are often required to sign certificates of acceptance for completed projects within their municipalities. For this reason, he said municipal governments — through their municipal engineering offices — should be involved in monitoring project implementation. He added, however, that expenses related to monitoring should be shouldered by the implementing agency. At the same meeting, the DPWH 1st Engineering District presented its proposed infrastructure package for Fiscal Year 2027 amounting to ₱9,095,289,510. The proposal covers 78 projects across eight municipalities under its jurisdiction, including road rehabilitation and concreting, bridge construction, flood-mitigation structures, multi-purpose buildings, and water-supply systems. The proposed projects fall under major DPWH program thrusts such as SIPAG or Sustainable Infrastructure Projects Aleviating Gaps like access roads and bridges, TRIP or tourism access roads, ROLL-IT or industry access roads, asset preservation, and targeted flood-control initiatives. Based on the presentation, the proposed allocations by municipality are as follows: Bambang: ₱3,159,852,000 Bagabag: ₱2,340,756,900 Bayombong: ₱1,399,000,000 Solano: ₱1,004,333,000 Quezon: ₱899,347,610 Ambaguio: ₱195,000,000 Diadi: ₱75,000,000 Villaverde: ₱22,000,000 DPWH 1st DEO clarified that the ₱9.09-billion package is a funding proposal submitted to the DPWH Central Office for inclusion in the department’s 2027 budget proposal. It remains subject to budgetary review and approval by both the Senate and the House of Representatives. Gambito said providing municipalities with complete project documents and programs of work will help improve coordination, ensure closer monitoring, and allow local officials to immediately act on public concerns as the 2027 budget process moves forward.    

By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — Specialist doctors from the Quirino Memorial Medical Center (QMMC) will conduct a two-day medical mission at the Region 2 Trauma and Medical Center (R2TMC) on June 10 and 11, providing free minimally invasive gynecologic procedures to selected patients in the province. Dr. Jane Publico of the R2TMC Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology said the medical mission will focus on laparoscopy and hysteroscopy, procedures used to diagnose and treat certain conditions affecting the female reproductive system. Publico relayed the details of the medical mission during a courtesy call on Gov. Atty Jose V. Gambito, together with the nine QMMC doctors who will perform the procedures. According to Publico, 16 Nueva Vizcaya residents are scheduled to undergo the procedures during the two-day mission. She clarified that walk-in patients cannot be accommodated, as those included in the medical mission had already undergone prior diagnostic evaluation and screening. Publico said minimally invasive gynecologic procedures are performed through small incisions or natural body openings, reducing the need for traditional open surgery. Compared with conventional surgery, she said these procedures usually result in less pain, smaller scars, shorter hospital stays, faster recovery and a lower risk of complications. Publico said laparoscopy is a procedure that allows doctors to examine and treat problems in the pelvic area through a small incision in the abdomen. Hysteroscopy, meanwhile, allows doctors to check and treat conditions inside the uterus through a thin instrument inserted through the cervix, she said. The procedures will be provided free of charge. Publico said similar procedures may cost more than P50,000, especially for patients without PhilHealth coverage. Publico thanked the office of Gov. Gambito for shouldering the accommodation of the visiting doctors from QMMC. She also expressed hope that the medical mission would become an annual activity at R2TMC through the continued partnership of the hospital and the provincial government. Publico said the initiative would benefit Novo Vizcayanos who need advanced gynecologic care, especially since no hospital in Nueva Vizcaya currently offers this type of minimally invasive gynecologic procedure.

By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — Another 69 couples in Nueva Vizcaya who have been married for 50 years or more received P50,000 each from the provincial government under its Enduring Devotion Ordinance, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 681 and the total disbursement to P34.05 million since the program was implemented. The latest distribution, totaling P3.45 million, was held yesterday at the Carlos M. Padilla Convention Center and was led by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office headed by Flordelina C. Granada. Granada said the recipients make up the 12th batch of beneficiaries of the program, which covers qualified couples from the different municipalities of the province. Granada added that the provincial government is continuously processing applications for the incentive, noting that another P10 million has been allocated to accommodate additional 2025 applications, an amount enough to cover 200 more qualified couples. Gov. Atty. Jose V. Gambito said the provincial government remains committed to sustaining the initiative, which he described as a tribute to couples who have shown enduring love and commitment. “We have already disbursed more than P30 million for this program. This is a significant amount, and while it could have been used for many other projects, I do not mind because this is more than a financial reward. It is the provincial government’s way of recognizing your lasting commitment, sacrifices and devotion to one another,” Gambito said. He said he hopes the program will inspire younger couples to nurture their relationships and remain committed to keeping their families intact. Gambito also reiterated his observation that many troubled children come from broken families, stressing the importance of strong and stable family relationships. Notably, Gov. Gambito and his wife, Beth, recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary making the program personally meaningful for the governor as the province continues to honor couples who have reached the same milestone. The beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the provincial government, saying the cash assistance would help them meet their daily expenses, particularly the purchase of maintenance medicines. The Enduring Devotion Ordinance, authored by then Board Member Patricio F. Dumlao Jr., grants P50,000 to couples who have been married for 50 years or more.The ordinance aims to recognize and honor couples who have stood the test of time and who serve as role models for younger generations.

By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — The provincial government of Nueva Vizcaya has released P70,000 in educational assistance to seven college students who served as tutors under the Tara, Basa Tutoring Program in Villaverde, the first municipality in Cagayan Valley to implement the initiative. Gov. Atty. Jose V. Gambito distributed checks worth P10,000 each to the student tutors as recognition of their service and to help them meet school-related expenses. “We fully support the Tara, Basa Tutoring program it helps our children become better readers while giving our youth the opportunity to serve their communities and continue their studies,” Gambito said. Jesusa P. Dyte, Social Welfare Officer IV of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) and focal person for the program, said the one-time grant was provided through the provincial government’s Project SHIFT, which supports households that have exited or graduated from the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, or 4Ps. Dyte said the assistance forms part of the province’s counterpart contribution to the literacy program and is intended to encourage continued youth participation in community-based development activities. The Tara, Basa Tutoring Program is implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region II in partnership with the municipal government of Villaverde and the Department of Education. The program aims to improve the reading proficiency of public elementary school learners while providing temporary employment opportunities to economically disadvantaged college students and out-of-school youth. According to Dyte, the seven recipients were among 25 college students from Villaverde who participated in the program as tutors and youth development workers. The incentives for the remaining 18 college students were provided by the municipal government of Villaverde as part of its counterpart support to the program. Of the 25 participants, 13 served as tutors for 53 incoming Grade 2 pupils, while 12 worked as youth development workers who facilitated “Nanay-Tatay” sessions for the parents and guardians of the learners, who also received cash incentives from the DSWD for their participation in the program. Dyte said the program not only addresses early-grade reading gaps but also provides young people with an opportunity to contribute to their communities while earning support for their education. She added that the cash assistance seeks to recognize the contribution of the tutors, support their academic needs, strengthen partnerships among government agencies and local stakeholders, and sustain youth involvement in literacy and social development programs.