By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) Nueva Vizcaya on Thursday formally received a ₱13.5 million check from the provincial government to fund the province’s participation in the upcoming Cagayan Valley Regional Athletic Association (CAVRAA) Meet set on April 12–16, 2026 in Santiago City. Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito turned over the check to Schools Division Superintendent Orlando E. Manuel in a brief ceremony attended by personnel of the Schools Division Office. The amount comes from the province’s Special Education Fund (SEF), underscoring the local government’s continued commitment to youth development and sports excellence. Of the total allocation, ₱1.5 million was used to support the recently concluded Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Athletic Association Meet, which served as the qualifying competition for athletes advancing to the regional level. The remaining ₱12 million has been earmarked to cover the delegation’s expenses for the CAVRAA Meet, including training, uniforms, transportation, and other logistical requirements. During the turnover, Gov Gambito and NV DepEd officials also discussed Nueva Vizcaya’s preparations for its scheduled hosting of the CAVRAA next year. Gambito emphasized the importance of ensuring that the province is fully prepared to stage a successful and well-organized regional athletic event. “To host CAVRAA is both an honor and a responsibility. We must ensure that our facilities and preparations meet regional standards,” the governor said. In line with this, the provincial government has allocated an initial fund of ₱60 million for the repair and upgrading of the Nueva Vizcaya Sports Complex. Provincial Engineer Jerry A. Tan said ₱20 million will be used for the rehabilitation of the basketball and volleyball courts, as well as the repair of the perimeter fence. The remaining ₱40 million will fund the installation of a rubberized oval track, a key facility requirement for major athletic competitions. Nueva Vizcaya last hosted the CAVRAA in 2015 — a landmark year when the province not only successfully staged the regional meet but also reclaimed the overall championship title after a 27-year hiatus.

By Rachel Magday NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — The Provincial Government of Nueva Vizcaya and its 15 municipal local government units (LGUs) will receive nearly P370 million from the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) of the Department of the Interior and Local Government(DILG). This was conveyed by President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr. to Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito during the launch of the “Sa Bagong Pilipinas, Bawat Bayan Makikinabang” program held at the Heroes Hall in Malacañan Palace on February 23, 2026. The program is designed to strengthen the national government’s support for all local government units (LGUs) and ensure that the benefits of national progress are felt “immediately and equitably” across communities nationwide. It also aims to close the “opportunity gap” by translating national economic stability into improved household security, with progress measured through the well-being of Filipino families. “The message is clear: empower our local leaders. P58 billion from the Local Government Support Fund is now moving directly to our local government leaders—faster, clearer and more transparent,” Marcos said. “Our local leaders know their communities best. They see the problems first. They hear the people first. Now they have the resources to act.” Under the LGSF, the Nueva Vizcaya provincial government is expected to receive P160 million in Financial Assistance to Local Government Units (FALGU). Of that amount, P80 million will be used to fund the national government’s Rice Support for Families program, which will provide rice subsidies to poor and vulnerable families in the province. The remaining P80 million will be allocated for infrastructure and development projects, including roads, hospitals, rural health stations and medical equipment, water systems, renewable energy use in buildings, solar lighting, multipurpose halls, and a sports stadium. Gov. Gambito underscored the significance of the President’s decision to directly release funds to LGUs, describing it as a transformative step toward empowered local governance. “On behalf of Nueva Vizcaya, I thank President Marcos for this decisive action. Giving our LGUs direct access to resources is a clear commitment to inclusive growth and development across the countryside,” he said. He added that the measure will speed up the rollout of priority programs and serve as a concrete investment in the long‑term progress of Nueva Vizcaya residents. Meanwhile, 15 municipal LGUs in Nueva Vizcaya are set to receive P10 million each. Exceptions are Ambaguio, which already received P49.5 million; Villaverde, P30 million; and Bagabag, P10 million—allocations that are already being implemented in those municipalities.      

By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — The Provincial Government of Nueva Vizcaya, under the leadership of Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito, recognized Saint Mary’s University’s (SMU) 4PAUSE team for clinching the title in the Regional Tourism Start-Up Challenge. The team was formally introduced to provincial government employees during the flag-raising ceremony at the Provincial Capitol on Monday, February 16. The recognition was facilitated by the Provincial Tourism and Culture Office, citing the group’s innovation as a meaningful contribution to the province’s “Naturally Vibrant Nueva Vizcaya” development agenda. Gov. Gambito congratulated the group and underscored the role of academic institutions in strengthening local tourism development. “Congratulations to our young innovators. Your work shows how our academe can help move tourism forward—bringing fresh ideas that benefit communities and support local enterprises,” Gambito said. Composed entirely of Novo Vizcayanos, the 4PAUSE team includes Christian Josh B. Acosta, Jasfer Dela Cruz, John Paul C. Dres, Jullainne Candy Lou I. Bajo, Johanna M. Delos Santos, and Kyneshie A. Dalpig, with Aryan L. Yuzon serving as coach. In recognition of their achievement, the provincial government awarded the team Certificates of Commendation along with tokens of appreciation. The 4PAUSE project seeks to help position Nueva Vizcaya as a “therapeutic destination “, a place for rest and wellness by using digital tools in tourism. It promotes the province’s beautiful nature and cool weather to attract visitors, help small businesses, and support the local economy in a responsible way. It also supports UN goals on jobs and economic growth, new ideas and better facilities, and building safe, sustainable communities. The team is now preparing for the national round of the competition, where they will vie for a potential grand prize of ₱5 million.

Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines — FCF Minerals Corporation will shut down its Runruno Gold Project by the end of 2026 after the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) suspended the Dupax Exploration Permit, the mine firm announced this week. Management said the suspension cut off the mine’s “last operational lifeline.” Employees were notified this week that existing gold reserves at Runruno are nearly depleted, and the halted Dupax exploration program would have been the only way to extend the mine’s life. “Without reserve replacement, operations must end,” said Lorne Harvey, FCF Minerals General Manager. The closure will affect more than 1,500 workers and ripple through local businesses, including contractors, suppliers, and transport providers. Local government revenues, national taxes, royalties, and community development funding tied to production will also stop. FCF Minerals said it had hoped exploration in Dupax would preserve jobs and sustain economic contributions. Analysts noted that regulatory interruptions at this stage can have irreversible effects on mines nearing depletion, highlighting risks for investors in the Philippine mining sector. The company vowed a responsible closure, complying with all laws and environmental standards. “Our responsibility extends to employees, host communities, shareholders, and government stakeholders,” Harvey said. “Runruno’s closure will be carried out safely, responsibly, and in full compliance with Philippine regulations.” Harvey also vowed he will issue updates as the transition progresses.      

By Rachel Magday   BAMBANG, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines — In celebration of February as the love month and in a strong show of support for the LGBTQ+ community, Bambang Mayor Benjamin Jamie Cuaresma officiated a commitment ceremony for eight LGBTQ+ couples who have long shared their lives as partners. The ceremony, held on February 13 at the Municipal Auditorium, marked a historic first for a municipal local government unit in Nueva Vizcaya. It recognized the couples’ enduring relationships while reaffirming the town’s steadfast commitment to inclusivity, equality, and respect for all. Mayor Cuaresma described the event as a meaningful affirmation that love, regardless of gender, deserves acknowledgment and respect. “The meaningful event affirms that every love story deserves recognition, respect, and dignity,” Cuaresma said. “Here’s to equality, acceptance, and a community where everyone is seen, valued, and celebrated.” The LGBTQ+ community regarded the initiative as a significant milestone for the municipality, reflecting the local government’s strengthened commitment to equality and inclusion. Community members expressed sincere appreciation for the administration’s ongoing efforts to champion diversity and cultivate a safer, more welcoming environment for all in Bambang.  

Wesleyan University-Phillipines Aurora fields full contingent   Baler, Aurora, Philippines – The sun had barely risen when the streets began to fill with colorful performers, music, and festivities. Streets fluttered from every post, people awaiting the street dance performance of contingents from the different municipalities. It is the day of the Indak Pasidayaw Festival Provincial Competition for the Aurora Day Celebration 2026, a celebration of culture, artistry, and unity among the municipalities of Aurora. No one, however, anticipated the overwhelming joy that would follow. As the final performance concluded, the crowd waited in breathless silence. It was the time to wait for the minor awards. Parts of the preliminaries to the jubilation and celebration were the announcements of Best in Arena Performance and Best in Choreography, which were both bagged by Maria Aurora and with P15,000.00 award for each category. When the emcee finally announced the Provincial Champion for Indak Pasidayaw Festival 2026, the silence exploded into thunderous cheers. Shouting in tears streaming down their faces painted with festival colors and with their costume made of native Igorot attire, all screaming “Mebiyay, Marialeño!” The Municipal Mayor, Ariel Bitong – standing behind the event host and waiting for the final result – was in complete awe and jumping in cheers, together with other key officials of the Municipality, the School Administrator of Wesleyan University-Philippines – Aurora, Dr. Ferdinand Romano, seen crying out of elation, the Academic Heads of WU-P, teachers, coaches, trainers and WU-P contingent in unison shouted and celebrated the triumph of Maria Aurora, fielded with WU-P Aurora students, and received a glaring amount of P150,000.00. This year’s championship in the Indak Pasidayaw Festival is not just a win in a competition; it is a shared triumph that bound the community together in jubilation and celebration – proof that when culture, dedication, and unity dance as one, victory becomes a celebration for all. Big Congratulations, Municipality of Maria Aurora! Congratulations as well, WU-P Aurora!

By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito has directed department heads and division chiefs of the provincial government to accelerate the implementation of programs and projects, citing delays in execution as a major concern. Presiding over the 1st Management Conference (ManCon) meeting held Monday, Gambito urged all offices to sustain the momentum and further speed up the implementation of programs and projects to ensure timely delivery of services. “We need to accelerate our efforts so that the people can immediately feel the impact of the services and projects of the provincial government,” he said. To address the issue, the governor announced key administrative reforms, particularly the shift to a centralized procurement system. Under the new setup, procurement will no longer be handled individually by each office but will instead be consolidated under a specific unit. Gambito said the previous per-office procurement system was identified as one of the reasons behind delays in project implementation. Provincial Administrator King Webster Balawing said centralized procurement means one designated office handles the purchase of goods and supplies for the entire provincial government, instead of each department buying separately. He added that this system, required under Republic Act 9184 and implemented through the DBM-Procurement Service, is meant to make procurement faster, more transparent, and more cost-effective. Balawing cited as an example the procurement of medicines for provincially managed hospitals. Under a centralized setup, purchase requests for medicines from all provincial hospitals can be consolidated so the province can buy in bulk, streamline delivery schedules, and help ensure that essential medicines remain available for patients. While acknowledging that the reforms may be challenging, Gambito stressed they are necessary to improve public service delivery, particularly for priority initiatives. “These reforms may be tough and there may be offices that will be affected, but we have to implement them,” he said. “We need to make sure that our programs—especially our flagship projects—reach the people and are truly felt by them.” Gambito emphasized that the reforms aim to ensure taxpayers see tangible benefits from government spending. “Hopefully, the effects of these reforms and innovations will ensure that what the people pay in taxes will be returned to them through concrete programs and projects of the provincial government,” he said. The governor also urged offices to fast-track implementation ahead of the expected election ban in October for the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections. “We need to implement our projects as soon as possible because once the election ban takes effect, it will slow down our operations,” Gambito said. “Be cooperative. We will try these new innovations to compensate for the lag that may be caused by the election ban.”    

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Philippines — Muling nagbigay ng karangalan sa Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, ang pitong taong gulang na si Haliya Catarina Flores Guzman matapos magwagi ng Gold Award sa Final Round ng Thailand International Math Olympiad (TIMO) nitong Pebrero 7, 2026. Si Guzman ang nag-iisang pambato ng lungsod at ng probinsiya sa naturang kompetisyon. Umabot sa 1,290 kalahok mula sa iba’t ibang bansa ang dumaan sa Heat Round kung saan pumangalawa si Guzman. Ito na ang ikalawang sunod na taon na nagkamit siya ng Gold Award sa naturang international math competition, matapos din siyang magwagi noong 2025. Sa tulong ng kaniyang lola na si dating Provincial EngineerBasilia Baccay Flores at ng kaniyang mga magulang, naging masigasig si Haliya sa paghahanda para sa patimpalak. Sa murang edad, patuloy niyang pinatutunayan ang kahusayan ng batang Cagayano sa larangan ng matematika sa pandaigdigang entablado. (Mae Amarles)

NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — Dr. Harold V. Gallo, Ph.D., school director of the DOST- Philippine Science High School (PSHS) Cagayan Valley Campus, said the Pisay community “loves Papa Jing,” referring to Nueva Vizcaya Gov. Atty. Jose V. Gambito, during a courtesy call at the governor’s office on Thursday,Feb.5. Gallo led the visit together with 15 students and two teacher-chaperones from National Yilan Senior High School (YLHS) in Taiwan, who are currently in Nueva Vizcaya as exchange students under the PSHS Exchange Forum and Joint Learning Immersion Program. While in the province, the students are under the care of foster parents arranged by the program. In an interview after the visit, Gallo said PSHS is open to deeper collaboration with the provincial government for programs that will benefit science high school students. “Whatever Pisay achieves—and whatever challenges we face—the provincial government is part of that,” Gallo said. “We hope Governor Gambito’s support for education and the youth continues, because the pride of Pisay is also the pride of Nueva Vizcaya.” Gallo also expressed appreciation for the provincial government’s approval of a P2 million request to repair the campus auditorium, which was damaged by Super Typhoon Uwan last year. “The rehabilitation fund allocated for PSHS through the office of Governor Gambito is a big help, especially since we do not have a large fund to cover the repairs,” he said. After meeting with the governor, the group proceeded to the Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Museum, where the Taiwanese students were introduced to the province’s history, heritage, and traditions. The museum visit is intended to strengthen the cultural immersion component of the exchange program.