By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito announced plans to establish a paragliding pilot school in Nueva Vizcaya, saying the province’s mountainous terrain can be further developed to strengthen tourism. Gov. Gambito made the announcement during this morning’s flag-raising ceremony sponsored by the Office of the Governor, where the Nueva Vizcaya paragliding team who participated in the SEA Games in Thailand last December 2025 performed a paramotor flyby. “Even if Nueva Vizcaya has no beaches, we have many mountains, and these are assets we need to use for tourism,” Gambito said. “There are many possible paragliding sites for takeoff and landing across different towns. We will make Nueva Vizcaya the paragliding capital in the Philippines”. The provincial government also presented members of the Nueva Vizcaya paragliding team during the ceremony, including Kelvin Liyangna and Dominique Lucasi. They were joined by Violet Lucasi, who initiated paragliding activities in the province. The provincial government has asked for her assistance in setting up the planned paragliding pilot school. Two Novo Vizcayano educators from the Department of Education (DepEd) were also recognized for their achievements. Brenda Ramos Zinampan, a teacher and athletics coach at Bascaran National High School in Solano, was honored for winning four gold medals at the 23rd Asia Masters Athletics Championships in Chennai, India (Nov. 5–10, 2025). Competing in the Women’s 45+ category, Zinampan won gold in the 100-meter dash, 80-meter hurdles, 400-meter hurdles, and pole vault. Also recognized was Noel V. Sadinas, Master Teacher II of Macalong Elementary School in Kasibu, for his accomplishments and service in education. Sadinas is a recipient of the Metrobank Foundation’s Ten Outstanding Filipinos award and was recently named an awardee of the Ambassador Antonio L. Cabangon Chua Gintong Parangal para sa Edukasyon.

By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — The province of Nueva Vizcaya recorded significant gains in visitor arrivals in 2025, with tourism receipts for the year reaching PHP 862,113,820, according to the Provincial Tourism and Culture Office (PTCO) 2025 Tourism Report. The report shows 214,792 tourists visited the province in 2025, an increase of 10.2 percent from 194,918 in 2024. Excursionist arrivals—day visitors—also climbed to 706,017 in 2025, up 5.4 percent from 670,003 the previous year. The figures continue an upward trend from 2023, when the province logged 174,061 tourists and 416,355 excursionists. On receipts, domestic tourism accounted for the bulk of earnings at PHP 852,396,000, while foreign tourist spending totaled PHP 9,717,820, bringing the combined total to PHP 862,113,820 for 2025. Gov. Atty. Jose V. Gambito expressed gratitude to tourists who visited the province and pledged to further boost Nueva Vizcaya’s tourism, a priority of his administration. ”We thank all tourists who visited Nueva Vizcaya and took time to experience our nature, culture, and heritage. Tourism is among the priorities of my administration, and we will continue to invest in programs that protect our destinations and highlight what makes Nueva Vizcaya unique,” Gambito said. The province’s most visited sites in 2025, ranked by visitor numbers, were: Sky Escape 360 (Ambaguio) Tam-an Mt. Resort & Hotel (Bayombong) Love Camp (Ambaguio) PLT Wellness & Mt. Resort (Solano) Lower Magat Eco Tourism Park (Diadi) Bambang Integrated Agri‑Tourism & Learning Site (Bambang) Heavenly Resort (Bambang) 24/7 Inn & Resort (Solano) Malico Salacsac Pass (Santa Fe) Edralin Falls (Kasibu) Areola Farm & Resort (Bambang) People’s Museum and Library (Bayombong) Humming Strawberry Farm (Bagabag) Imugan Falls (Santa Fe) Mount Tugew (Kayapa) Provincial Tourism Officer Marichelle O. Costales said the report is a consolidated compilation of local tourism statistics prepared using the Department of Tourism’s standard local tourism statistics system, based on data submitted by municipal tourism offices, individual tourist sites, and tourism-related establishments.      

By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — The provincial government of Nueva Vizcaya, headed by Gov. Atty. Jose V. Gambito, on Monday,January 5, handed over two checks totaling PHP 5.7 million to Nueva Vizcaya State University (NVSU), represented by President Dr. Wilfredo A. Dumale Jr. The funds, drawn from the 2025 Provincial Development Fund provided by Oceana Gold Philippines, will be used to boost agricultural productivity and strengthen the province’s climate change resilience. “This funding reflects our administration’s priority to support our farmers and academic partners in adopting technologies that increase productivity and protect livelihoods against climate risks,” Gov. Gambito said. “We expect these investments to translate into concrete benefits for local farmers, MSMEs, and the broader agricultural value chain.” Provincial Planning Officer IV Katalina K. Acpal, of the Provincial Planning and Development Office, said the first check, worth PHP 3.9 million, is the first tranche of provincial funding for the “Upgrading of Equipment for the Nueva Vizcaya Coffee Processing and Innovation Center” under NVSU’s College of Human Ecology. The equipment upgrade is part of a project with a total budget of PHP 9,949,117.50; the remaining balance is expected to be released within this year from the 2026 Provincial Development Fund. The coffee center upgrade aims to enhance coffee research, processing, innovation, and technology transfer to support local farmers, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and other stakeholders across the province’s coffee value chain. The second check, valued at PHP 1.8 million, will fund improvements to the Nueva Vizcaya Climate Change Center through the installation of additional Field Monitoring Systems (FMS) for microclimate monitoring under NVSU’s Climate Change Research and Development Program in the College of Engineering. Gambito said the funding shows the provincial government’s strong support for NVSU and local farmers, especially as coffee has become a booming industry in Nueva Vizcaya… These efforts will be closely tracked to make coffee processing faster and more efficient, help small businesses and farmers improve their practices, and protect local incomes.  

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines—A regional trial court in Nueva Vizcaya province has ordered protesters to immediately remove the barricades along the Keon Barangay Road in Bitnong, Dupax del Norte, Nueva Vizcaya leading to the exploration area of mining firm Woogle Corp. This is contained in the consolidated resolution issued by Regional Trial Court Branch 30 presiding judge Paul Attolba Jr. on Jan. 6, 2026, upholding a preliminary injunction in a civil action brought by Woggle Corp. against Florentino Daynos and other defendants. The court’s resolution addressed a series of interrelated motions in SCA Case No 139-25-J. It also asked the Philippine National Police provincial director to assist the court sheriffs in the implementation of the writ of preliminary injunction. It said the police are authorized to take action against any individuals who defy the writ. The court denied several defense pleadings, including motions to dissolve the injunction. It emphasized the binding nature of judicial orders and warned that the defendants and their supporters should obey the injunction within a specified period or face potential contempt charges. Attolba noted that officers of the court are expected to uphold respect for judicial orders rather than erode them. The legal dispute involves the application of the Philippine Mining Act and the propriety of injunctive relief. The court reached its decision based on existing pleadings and records without the need for a trial on disputed facts. Woggle Corp. general-manager Lorne Harvey said the company respects and accepts the consolidated resolution issued by the court. “We recognize it as part of the proper functioning of the judicial process,” said Harvey. “We appreciate the Court’s careful consideration of the issues raised by all parties and its effort to resolve the related matters in a clear, orderly, and principled manner, consistent with established law and procedure,” he said. “Our company has always maintained that disputes of this nature are best addressed within the framework of the law,” Harvey added. “We remain fully committed to complying with all court orders and to conducting our operations responsibly, transparently, and in a manner that respects both the rule of law and the communities affected by our work.” The ruling took effect immediately upon its Jan. 6 promulgation. While the court resolution did not specify a monetary value for the dispute, any future fines or bonds related to the case would be denominated in pesos. The dispute over Woggle Corporation’s exploration project in Barangay Bitnong, Dupax del Norte began with community concerns about possible impacts on land and livelihoods, but escalated into a court case after protest actions led to road barricades and questions over the limits of lawful protest and public access. PR

By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito received a delegation of teacher‑researchers from the Department of Education (DepEd) Nueva Vizcaya in a courtesy call at the Office of the Governor, on Jan. 7, He congratulated them for their recent international and regional research wins and presented each with a modest cash reward from his personal funds. Speaking casually with the group, Gov. Gambito told the educators that DepEd needs their expertise and encouraged them to keep innovating for the benefit of learners. “You make a difference. Take advantage of the opportunity while you have the privilege, because not everyone is given such a chance. Do your best and leave a legacy so that when we look back in our old age, you will have no regrets because you know you did your best,” he said. Awardees honored during the courtesy call included: 𝐉𝐚𝐲𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐉𝐨𝐞 𝐏. 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐝𝐚 (𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐈𝐈, 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐨 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥): 1st Place Best Research Paper and 1st Place Best Research Paper Presenter, 4th International Conference on Pedagogical Research and Innovation (Dec. 3–5, 2025); Finalist, Completed Action Research, 5th Regional Planning Conference (Nov. 26–28, 2025). 𝐄𝐝𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐋. 𝐀𝐜𝐨𝐛𝐚 (𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐈𝐈, 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥): 2nd Place Best Research Paper, 4th International Conference on Pedagogical Research and Innovation; Finalist, Completed Action Research, 5th Regional Planning Conference. 𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐝 𝐒. 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐚 𝐂𝐮𝐞𝐯𝐚 (𝐌𝐓‑𝟏 / 𝐓𝐈𝐂, 𝐍𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐧 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 ): 1st Place Best Research Presenter, 4th International Conference on Pedagogical Research and Innovation; 1st Place Completed Basic Research, 5th Regional Planning Conference. 𝐏𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐥𝐚 𝐁. 𝐒𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐥𝐝𝐨𝐧𝐠 (𝐌𝐓‑𝐈𝐈), 𝐌𝐚𝐳𝐞𝐥 𝐌𝐚𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐞𝐠 (𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐈𝐈), 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐧 𝐆. 𝐃𝐞 𝐆𝐮𝐳𝐦𝐚𝐧 (𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐈𝐈): 3rd Place Completed Basic Research, 5th Regional Planning Conference (Division of Santiago City, Isabela). 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐲 𝐈. 𝐆𝐚𝐧𝐨 (𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐈𝐈, 𝐏𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐠 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥): Champion, Most Outstanding Researcher (Non‑Teaching Category), Completed Basic Research, 5th Regional Planning Conference. The teacher‑researchers expressed their gratitude to Gov. Gambito for the recognition and cash incentives, and commended his administration for prioritizing education. They said the governor’s responsive programs for learners help explain why many young people feel close to his leadership. Gov. Gambito reiterated the provincial government’s commitment to supporting educators’ research capacities and other initiatives that strengthen classroom practice, stressing that continued investment in teacher innovation is essential to improving educational outcomes in Nueva Vizcaya.

By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — Nueva Vizcaya Gov. Atty. Jose V. Gambito urged provincial government employees to sustain innovation, integrity and momentum in public service during the province’s first flag-raising ceremony and first working day of 2026, and reiterated that his primary aim is to improve the livelihoods of Novo Vizcayanos. “Let us continue innovating on how the government is run while we have the opportunity. We have to set a standard in governance that will guide the next leaders of our province,” Gambito told department heads and provincial employees gathered for the ceremony. “We must take advantage of this opportunity to leave a mark for our people to remember us in the future.” Fresh from a recent hospitalization, Gambito said the experience deepened his resolve: “I have no other aim but to improve the livelihood of our Novo Vizcayanos,” he added, vowing that his renewed commitment will drive the province’s programs and initiatives forward. Gambito thanked department heads and staff for the province’s ongoing progress, noting that successes stem not only from awards and recognitions but also from innovative programs introduced under his administration. “These programs are very responsive to the needs of our residents, making the provincial government very effective,” he said. “The credit is not mine — I hand it over to all of you, from top to bottom. All my gratitude. Be assured that your efforts will not remain unnoticed.” The governor urged employees to remain honest and steadfast despite resource constraints. “We have to be truthful to our work. We have to make a difference. Even if we lack resources, you are all resourceful, so we can always find remedies,” he said. He warned against losing the province’s forward momentum, adding, “We should not allow our enthusiasm to die down—let us keep pushing for continuous progress for our constituents.” The flag-raising ceremony was sponsored by the Philippine National Red Cross — Nueva Vizcaya Chapter (PNRC-NV). Randy Blanco, head of PNRC-NV, reported the chapter’s recent accomplishments, highlighting the “Dara ti Umili” program, which he said “does not only benefit Novo Vizcayanos but also residents of nearby provinces.” Blanco pledged continued coordination with the provincial government to extend services to vulnerable communities.  

Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines — A Regional Trial Court (RTC) in Nueva Vizcaya has denied a motion for inhibition filed by accused Florentino Daynos in a criminal case arising from the barricading of public roads linked to a mineral exploration project involving Woggle Corp. In its order, the court ruled that the motion failed to establish any legal or factual basis to warrant the inhibition of the presiding judge. Court records show that the case originated from incidents involving the unauthorized erection of barricades along public roads in Dupax del Norte, which authorities said obstructed the passage of vehicles and equipment. Law enforcement personnel intervened following reports that the barricades restricted access to public thoroughfares. Daynos, identified in the case as one of the individuals leading opposition activities against the project, was subsequently charged in connection with the incidents. In denying the motion, the RTC reiterated that judicial inhibition is not a matter of right and must be supported by clear and convincing evidence of bias, prejudice, or personal interest. The court stressed that mere allegations or disagreement with previous court actions do not meet the legal standard for disqualification. The RTC further cited established Supreme Court doctrine that judges are presumed to act with regularity and impartiality in the performance of their duties unless proven otherwise. Finding no showing of personal, pecuniary, or other disqualifying interest on the part of the presiding judge, the court ordered the proceedings to continue in the interest of the speedy disposition of cases. It also cautioned against the filing of motions that could unduly delay trial. For its part, Woggle Corp. said it respects the court’s ruling and reiterated its commitment to resolving the matter through due process and the orderly administration of justice. (PR)

The Governor’s Office of the Provincial Government of Nueva Vizcaya has issued an advisory requiring the mandatory wearing of facemasks inside its premises, effective Monday, December 22, 2025. The directive applies to all provincial government (PLGU) officials and employees assigned to the Governor’s Office, as well as all visitors and guests. The advisory, circulated to all PLGU officials and staff, instructs everyone entering the Governor’s Office to wear a facemask while inside the office premises.  

By Rachel Magday NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines –The provincial government of Nueva Vizcaya, led by Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito, was recognized for excellence in building community resilience by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and the Cagayan Valley Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CVDRRMC), chaired by OCD Regional Director Leon DG Rafael. The recognition cited the province’s service, commitment, sacrifice, and noteworthy accomplishments in strengthening disaster resilience amid the nation’s continuing disaster challenges. It also underscored Nueva Vizcaya’s efforts to enhance preparedness and risk-reduction initiatives aimed at protecting communities and improving response and recovery capacities during emergencies. The plaque of recognition was received by Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Robert Corpuz during the awarding ceremony held in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan. Gov Gambito expressed gratitude to the OCD and the regional DRRM council for the recognition, noting that the award reflects the collective work of the provincial government, local DRRM offices, responders, and community partners in advancing resilience across Nueva Vizcaya.