Camp Marcelo A Adduru, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, Philippines  – In observance of the National Day of Remembrance per Presidential Proclamation No. 164, the Police Regional Office 2, recognizes the valor of the 44 Special Action Force (SAF) members with a commemoration service, today, January 25,2026 at SAF 44 Monument in Police Regional Office 2. The commemoration was graced by Police Brigadier General Antonio P Marallag,Jr., who represented the Acting Chief of the Philippine National Police and served as the Keynote Speaker. Along with the bereaved families of the fallen heroes and the 11th Special Action Battalion of the PNP-SAF, PBGen Mrallag,Jr, led the wreath-laying ceremony. Marallag, also conveyed the message of PNP Acting Chief, PLtGen. Jose Melencio C Nartatez,Jr., during the occasion. “No words can truly ease your pain.Your loss is deep, and it does not disappear with time. For you, this is not just history. You did not only lose police officers. You lost loved ones who should have come home. And o n this day, we want you to know this, we remember with you. We honor them with you and we stand with you. The Philippine National Police remembers your loved ones not only today, but every day. Their names live on in our history, and in every police officer who chooses courage, restraint, and integrity in the line of duty.”, Nartatez said. Nartatez, further emphasized that the country must never forget the incredible bravery and love for the country displayed by the SAF 44 during the counterterrorism operation in Mamasapano, even as freedom is finally felt in Maguindanao. “To our fallen heroes of SAF 44: You have done your duty. You have paid the highest price. And today, we stand here because of your valor. Hindi namin kayo kinalimutan at hindi namin hahayaang manatili lamang sa alaala ang inyong sakripisyo. Ipinapangako naming na maglilingkod kami nang may dangal, tapang, at malasakit.”,Nartatez added. The Mamasapano clash resulted in the death of 44 SAF troopers, six of whom were natives of Cagayan Valley namely: Police Officer 2 Joel Dulnuan of Nueva Vizcaya, Police Officer 1 Loreto Capinding II, Police Officer 3 Rodrigo Acob, and Andres Duque, Jr. of Isabela Province, and Police Officer 2 Richelle Baluga and Police Officer 1 Oliebeth Viernes of Cagayan Province. The SAF 44 died in a police operation called “OPLAN EXODUS” while carrying out an operation against terrorism in Barangay Tukanalipao, Mamasapano, Maguindanao on January 25, 2015.

Governor eyes overseas seasonal job for residents   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito has pledged additional provincial funding to expand skills development and technical-vocational (TVET) programs in Nueva Vizcaya, with training to be implemented through the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). Gambito made the commitment during the first-quarter meeting of the Provincial Technical Education and Skills Development Committee (PTESDC), which he chairs. He said the additional support is intended to widen access to skills training for Novo Vizcayanos, particularly as the provincial government pursues exploratory discussions with foreign counterparts on the possible deployment of seasonal workers. The governor noted that most seasonal work programs prioritize applicants with specific competencies, making tech-voc credentials and skills certification critical for residents seeking overseas employment. Recently, officials from Jinan County in South Korea visited Gambito’s office to discuss a potential arrangement for sending seasonal workers. He is also set to meet next week with officials from Gimcheon City in North Gyeongsang Province, also in South Korea, for similar talks. Gambito is likewise expected to attend next month a Chinese New Year celebration and a welcome reception for Ms. Li Xiaoyan, the newly appointed consul and head of post of the Consulate of the People’s Republic of China. During the event, the provincial government may raise the possibility of a government-to-government recruitment mechanism with China. Aside from South Korea and China, the provincial government is also looking at Japan and Switzerland as possible partner countries for government-to-government recruitment of seasonal workers. To fast-track the initiative, Gambito instructed the Provincial Employment Service Division (PESD), headed by Dolly Rose C. Minas, to prepare a supplemental Annual Investment Program (AIP) to include the allocation of additional funds for skills training and TVET courses. The PTESDC—composed of provincial stakeholders and the local TESDA office—serves as the province’s key body for aligning technical-vocational training with industry requirements, labor market demand, and employment priorities. It aims to ensure that training programs produce job-ready graduates with practical skills needed for both local opportunities and potential overseas placements, helping reduce unemployment and support economic development in Nueva Vizcaya. ( By Rachel Magday)

P4.4-M solar irrigation system inaugurated By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — The provincial government, led by Gov. Atty. Jose V. Gambito, has distributed irrigation pipes worth about P16 million to 53 farmers’ and irrigators’ associations, as well as several puroks and sitios across the province. Beneficiaries came from Ambaguio, Alfonso Castaneda, Aritao, Bagabag, Bambang, Kasibu, Kayapa, Solano, Sta. Fe and Villaverde. Carlita L. Baglao, Engineer II at the Provincial Agriculture Office, said the provision of pipes aims to improve water access for crops and gardens and enhance agricultural production among smallholder farmers. In addition to the irrigation materials, Gov. Gambito awarded farm machinery valued at P2 million to six farmers’ associations and one cooperative. Recipients included the Galintuja APPLAI Tribe Agricultural Cooperative in Alfonso Castaneda; the Indigenous Peoples Association of Brgy. Baan Inc. and the Masinab Upland Farmers Association in Aritao; the Binadang Farmers Association of Dupax del Sur; the Pampang Farmers Association of Kayapa; and the Imugan Gardeners Association of Sta. Fe. The Bagabag Tobacco Growers Association received 40 knapsack sprayers as part of the package which was funded from the province’s share of the tobacco excise tax. The distribution coincided with the inauguration of the Provincial Nursery and the NV Farm School’s Solar Powered Irrigation System (SPIS). The SPIS and associated nursery were funded with a total of P4.4 million from the provincial development fund provided by OceanaGold Philippines. The solar-powered system will supply reliable irrigation and ensure adequate water for the NV Farm School, supporting seedling production and farm training activities.            

By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — “The government owes you a deep debt of gratitude, so when you are the ones in need, the government should also be there to help you,” Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito told distressed overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) during the awarding of financial assistance from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration(OWWA) on Wednesday,Jan.14 The distribution, held at the Ammungan Hall of the Provincial Capitol, covered 140 distressed OFWs from various towns in the province. The implementation of the aid distribution was carried out in coordination with the Public Employment Service Division (PESD), headed by Supervising Labor and Employment Officer Dolly Rose C. Minas. Gambito stressed that OFW remittances sustain and propel the Philippine economy, warning that the country would suffer greatly without these contributions. He said that recognition of OFWs’ vital role prompted the provincial government to establish an OFW Welfare Center shortly after he assumed office, to assist returning workers and the families they left behind. He also said he has invited the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to establish a provincial office in Nueva Vizcaya to make its services more accessible to Novo Vizcayano OFWs. The governor likewise urged the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to set up a consular office in the province. “We are offering the Provincial Capitol as the site of the offices of the DMW and DFA, we can even shoulder the salaries of the staff who will be assigned,” Gambito said, stressing the provincial government’s willingness to provide space and logistical support to speed up the establishment of the offices. He said having both agencies represented in Nueva Vizcaya would spare OFWs and their families from traveling to other provinces or Metro Manila to process documents, seek assistance, or follow up cases. Conchita Maddella of the OWWA regional office said the distressed OFWs received financial assistance amounting to a total of P2.5 million. She said OWWA provided livelihood assistance ranging from P5,000 to P20,000, educational assistance for beneficiaries’ children, and medical and burial assistance worth P20,000 to P100,000 depending on the illness or cause of death.    

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.