By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — “We reject destructive mining in Nueva Vizcaya because it causes massive excavation, land instability, and exploits local communities,” Saint Mary’s University (SMU) of Bayombong said in a statement posted on its Facebook page. The Catholic university also condemned corruption, calling it “evil in every shape or manner” because it destroys public trust, weakens government offices, and breeds cynicism and hopelessness. SMU linked environmental harm to corrupt practices, saying the misuse of natural resources, mining, and pollution violate ancestral lands and the rights of Indigenous peoples who have long cared for the Watershed Haven of Cagayan Valley in Nueva Vizcaya. The school said its stand follows Catholic teaching, citing Pope Francis’ Laudato si’ and the Bible verse, “God looked at everything he had made, and found it very good” (Genesis 1:31). Issued in communion with the Diocese of Bayombong, the Board of Trustees, the administration, employees, students, and alumni, the statement said SMU will speak out against corruption, oppose destructive mining in the province, work with government leaders and communities on environmental education to promote ethical governance, and carry out sustainable practices to keep governance transparent, protect human rights, and care for the environment for the long term. Saint Mary’s University is a Catholic school in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya. For almost 100 years, it has served the province and the Cagayan Valley, educating hundreds of thousands of students and graduates. Its mission is to form Christian disciples and to promote a healthy learning environment, human development, and care for creation. The university ended its statement with a prayer to Blessed Virgin Mary for guidance and protection as it works to build communities where love, justice, and peace prevail.

By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — The province of Nueva Vizcaya was recognized as a Regional Winner in the Provincial Category at the 2025 SubayBAYANI Regional Awarding Ceremony held at Meynard’s Resort and Convention Center in Tuguegarao City on October 30. The province was also named a National Finalist, underscoring its continued success in effective and efficient infrastructure governance. Representing the Provincial Government of Nueva Vizcaya at the ceremony were Assistant Provincial Engineer Noel V. Adducul; personnel from the PPDO; Engr. Cesar A. Senteta; Engr. Jophel B. Lacuesta; and Mr. Raffy Ian P. Pagala, who accepted the award on the province’s behalf. The infrastructure project recognized for its sound implementation and results is the upgrading of the Jct. Nat’l–Bua–Bulala–Muta–Macabenga Road in Kasibu— a three-kilometer undertaking with a total budget of P73 million. Implemented in two phases in 2019 and 2020 through the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s Conditional Matching Grant to Provinces (CMGP), the works included concrete paving, stone masonry headwalls and slope protection, metal guardrails, warning and chevron signs, and white thermoplastic pavement markings. According to Provincial Engineer Jerry A. Tan, the entire provincial road section from Brgy. Bua in Kasibu to Brgy. Macabenga in Dupax del Norte was fully concreted in 2022 after the provincial government allocated more than P166 million to complete over 10 kilometers of concrete road, further improving connectivity along the route.   The upgraded roads are already producing measurable economic and social benefits. Farmers in Kasibu and surrounding barangays can now transport produce more quickly and at lower cost to the Nueva Vizcaya Agricultural Terminal (NVAT), reducing spoilage and improving market returns. Residents and students enjoy safer, shorter trips to schools, markets, and health centers, while more reliable public transport and reduced vehicle wear have improved everyday mobility and supported local commerce by shortening travel times between upland communities and town centers. “Our message is simple: infrastructure in Nueva Vizcaya is built right, monitored closely, and meant to serve our people,” Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito said. “This SubayBAYANI recognition shows that when we follow standards and demand transparency, farmers earn more, students travel safer, and communities thrive.” The SubayBAYANI Awards, the DILG’s flagship recognition program, honors exemplary local governments for excellence in infrastructure delivery and spotlights tangible community gains achieved through sound governance and citizen-centered innovation.

By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines – House Deputy Minority Leader and Mamamayang Liberal (ML) party-list Rep. Leila M. de Lima has filed House Resolution No. 413 asking Congress to investigate alleged illegal exploration by Woggle Corporation in Dupax del Norte, Nueva Vizcaya. The measure also seeks review and possible cancellation of the company’s exploration permit issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Mines and Geosciences Bureau (DENR‑MGB). The filing was an offshoot of a meeting in which former Nueva Vizcaya Governor Ruth R. Padilla personally visited Rep. De Lima’s office to hand over documents showing strong opposition from Dupax del Norte residents. Padilla told De Lima that locals say they were not properly consulted and did not give written consent for the exploration. During the meeting, De Lima committed to call a formal legislative inquiry so communities can be heard and officials can be held accountable. In August 2025, DENR‑MGB granted Woggle—reported to be an affiliate of FCF Minerals Corporation—a 3,100‑hectare exploration permit in Dupax del Norte, reportedly for gold and copper. Residents and local groups say the company began work without proper consultation, citing tree uprooting and other actions they call illegal. The Sangguniang Barangays of Oyao, Bitnong, Inaban, and Munguia all in Dupax del Norte passed resolutions opposing the project and asking for an investigation and possible cancellation of the permit. On August 18, 2025, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Nueva Vizcaya adopted Resolution No. 2025‑5734 asking the DENR‑MGB to cancel the permit for alleged environmental and procedural violations. Residents, religious leaders, lawyers, and environmental groups have held protests. On October 10, 2025, Regional Trial Court Branch 30 in Bayombong issued a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) in favor of Woggle, barring residents from maintaining barricades on access roads; the TRO was extended to October 30, 2025. HR 413 also notes the court ordered the Philippine National Police to enforce the TRO, and there are reports of heavy‑handed actions against the protesters and indigenous groups. “The water, land, homes, livelihoods and future of our people in Nueva Vizcaya are at risk,” De Lima said when she filed HR 413. “No amount of profit can replace the lives and livelihoods of affected communities.” With HR 413 filed and De Lima’s promise to call a legislative inquiry, the House is expected to review the permit’s validity, check compliance with environmental and consultation rules, and consider steps to protect residents and the environment.

NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — Amid the controversy over Woogle Corporation’s mining exploration in Barangay Bitnong, Dupax del Norte, Rep. Timothy Joseph E. Cayton reiterated that his proposed measure declaring all watersheds in Nueva Vizcaya as protected areas would pave the way to halt mining applications across the province. The bill is among the first he filed upon assuming office in July. “We will not let our guards down. We will stand firm. We will continue to protect and defend Nueva Vizcaya—our home, our heritage, our future,” Cayton said in a Facebook post, calling it his “solemn duty” to safeguard residents’ welfare and the environment. “I am writing this once and for all—to confront an issue that has divided our people and our province. Because this is not the Nueva Vizcaya I envision.” Filed as House Bill No. 4502, the “Nueva Vizcaya as Watershed Haven Enhanced Protection Act” seeks to declare all provincial watersheds as protected areas, establishing what Cayton describes as “a Watershed Haven Protected Nueva Vizcaya” that “places water, forests, and people first.” “This measure is a legal act and declaration of identity and purpose. It reflects who we are as Novo Vizcayanos and what we stand for as stewards of our land and guardians of our future,” he said. The late former Environment Secretary Gina Lopez argued that mining should not be allowed in watersheds, saying, “The money that people want to make, and the gold and nickel they want to get cannot and must not be more important than the quality of life of the people,” a view Cayton cited in backing his bill. He also pointed to the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 (Republic Act No. 7942), noting that the law vests mineral resources in the State and mandates development and conservation that protect the environment and affected communities. “Section 19 provides for areas closed to mining application, one of which is watershed. This provision is the legal basis for our cry of ‘No to mining!’” Cayton said. Framing the measure as part of a broader agenda for a “Brand New Nueva Vizcaya,” Cayton said progress should be defined by conservation, sustainable livelihoods, and community empowerment—“a future rooted in protection, regeneration, and social justice—one that uplifts communities, not exploits them; where development empowers, not harms.” He urged constituents to trust the legislative process and continue their support as the bill advances in Congress, asking the public to back and pray for its passage. By Rachel Magday                

By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines – Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito  called for civility and unity, affirming the provincial government’s duty to respect court processes in the disputed mining exploration. He invited anti‑mining leaders to a “fruitful dialogue,” saying he wants to work with civil, responsible leaders to find solutions and prefers engagement over confrontation — even with protesters he believes are acting out of political interest. At the provincial government’s flag‑raising ceremony, Gambito said he will not be drawn into online attacks. “I am not silent, but I do not want to engage with disrespectful people on social media,” he said, noting a surge of harsh posts directed at him. He appealed for respect: “If they can’t respect the person, at least respect the position. If they disrespect the position, they also disrespect the people of Nueva Vizcaya who put me here.” He added that critics should not expect him to join scuffles at barricades — “I have other, more effective ways” — and said he has already relayed constituents’ concerns to the proper authorities, including President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos. The governor framed his role as the province’s “father,” saying pro‑ and anti‑mining groups are like “children” in conflict. “As a reasonable father,” he said, he must find ways to resolve misunderstandings rather than inflame tensions, and he urged community leaders not to provoke residents or make the conflict worse. “If the majority of Nueva Vizcaya residents do not want mining, so be it. I can very well serve the province with or without mining,” Gambito added, saying his priority is serving the people and finding a peaceful solution. His remarks followed an incident last Friday in Sitio Keon, Barangay Bitnong, Dupax del Norte, where anti‑mining protesters confronted police officers who were providing security to a court sheriff serving an order from RTC Branch 30 Judge Paul R. Attolba Jr. The order was related to a temporary restraining order (TRO) sought by Woogle Corporation to allow it to proceed with exploration activities. As an anti‑mining rally took place Monday morning at the People’s Stage at the provincial capitol, Gambito sent a same‑day invitation to church leaders — including Bishop Elmer Mangalinao of the Diocese of Bayombong, who attended the protest — the protesters’ lawyers and anti‑mining leaders from Barangay Bitnong for a dialogue in his office. He described the invite as a sincere effort to resolve the issue peacefully and find common ground. The group declined the office meeting and insisted the governor come to the rally instead. Gambito at first considered agreeing to that demand, but one of the more civil anti‑mining leaders advised him not to go for security reasons. PNP Provincial Director Paul Bometivo said the demonstration was peaceful. Police estimated about 400 people took part — including residents from Dupax del Norte and other towns in Nueva Vizcaya, clergy, local officials and youth leaders. During the program at the capitol, leaders delivered speeches voicing their opposition to the mining project. Afterward the crowd marched out of the capitol grounds and continued their rally in front of the municipal hall in Dupax del Norte. Gambito reiterated that his office remains open for good‑faith dialogue and called on all sides to help lower the temperature, respect institutions and work toward a peaceful resolution.

ALCALA, Cagayan — Binisita ni Gobernador Edgar “Manong Egay” Aglipay ang lokasyon na posibleng pagtatayuan ng Rice Industrial Complex sa Bayan ng Alcala, Cagayan,noong Oktubre 20, 2025. Nagsagawa ng site inspection si Aglipay kasama si Alcala Mayor Tin Antonio at sina One Cagayan Agriculture Cluster Head Perlita Mabassa at Board Member Atty. Romeo Garcia, maging ang iba pang Municipal Officials ng Alcala. Matatandaan na isa ang bayan ng Alcala sa mga tinukoy ni Gob. Aglipay na patatayuan ng naturang pasilidad upang makaagapay sa pangangailangan ng mga Cagayanong magsasaka. Muling iginiit ni Gob. Aglipay ang kanyang pagnanais na isulong ang mga programa at serbisyo para sa mga magsasaka at mangingisda kaya’t siniguro nito ang maigting na pakikipag-ugnayan sa mga ahensiya ng gobyerno upang mailapit ang pangangailangan ng probinsiya ng Cagayan.      

By Rachel Magday   BAYOMBONG,Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines — The Regional Trial Court of Bayombong, Branch 30, has extended a temporary restraining order that bars residents and their agents from blocking access to Woggle Corporation’s mining exploration site in Dupax del Norte,Nueva Vizcaya. In an order dated Oct. 14, 2025, Presiding Judge Paul R. Attolba Jr. extended a 72-hour TRO issued on Oct. 10 for an additional 20 days, keeping the restraint in force until Oct. 30, 2025 unless earlier lifted or modified. The case was filed by Woggle against Florentino Daynos, Jun Roduta and others. During the preliminary hearing last Monday, the defendants’ lawyers said the barricade was inside a private lot and argued Woggle’s exploration permit is invalid because the company did not hold consultations in the barangays covered by the permit. They also said that conducting consultations in the affected barangays is a mandatory requirement. Several local residents and anti‑mining advocates attended the hearing to show support for those opposing the exploration. Woggle, holder of Exploration Permit No. 00030‑II from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Mines and Geosciences Bureau, said its permit covers about 3,101.11 hectares across several barangays in Dupax del Norte. The company told the court its personnel were blocked from reaching the exploration area in Sitio Keon by a barricade set up near Keon Barangay Road in Barangay Bitnong and the Aritao‑Quirino national highway. Citing the government-issued permit, the court said Woggle “prima facie establishes their right to conduct exploration activities,” and found that loss of access would cause “irreparable injury” because exploration work is time-sensitive and interruptions cannot be adequately compensated by damages. The order added that the defendants’ arguments raise factual or mixed legal questions that require fuller evidentiary hearings. Judge Attolba wrote that the “balance of interest” favors Woggle and described the barricading as an apparent overreach of the defendants’ rights. The order restrains the defendants, their agents and anyone acting with them from (a) installing or maintaining a barricade along Keon Barangay Road, Barangay Bitnong, and the Aritao‑Quirino national highway, and (b) preventing vehicles, employees, contractors, representatives and agents of Woggle from entering Keon to access the exploration area. The court directed its sheriff to implement the order.

By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Nueva Vizcaya 1st District Engineering Office has implemented 59 flood-control projects from 2022 to 2025 with a combined allocation of more than P3.8 billion, according to data from the Isumbong Mo sa Pangulo website. By locality, the funded flood-control works were listed as follows: Bambang: 30 projects, P1,500,000,000 Billion Bagabag: 9 projects, P993,000,000Million Bayombong: 14 projects, P866,000,000Million Quezon: 3 projects, P242,000,000Million Solano: 4 projects, P204,000,000Million In a recent legislative inquiry conducted by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, District Engineer Danilo Bernabe said 10 of the projects were damaged but are being repaired by the contractors to whom the projects were awarded. From the total flood-control funding, the top five contractors by allocation were: EGB Construction — P965,009,000M— 7 projects Dalcon Construction — P937,835,000M— 12 projects V.B. Manubay Construction — P580,500,000M — 7 projects BRG Construction — P269,500,000M— 6 projects J.E.L. Construction & Supply — P212,851,529.38M — 6 projects With the 1st District Engineering Office receiving more than P3.8 billion and the 2nd District receiving P2.8 billion, the combined flood-control fund that Nueva Vizcaya obtained from 2022 to 2026 exceeds P6.6 billion.        

CAGAYAN, Philippines — Cagayan province is home to over 3.66 million people, with youth aged 15 to 24 accounting for nearly one-fifth of its population. Internet use is widespread, with three out of four residents aged 10 and above already online. Yet, many continue to face barriers in accessing and maximizing digital tools in ways that are safe, responsible, and creative. To help bridge these gaps, Globe launched a series of engagements that gathered more than 750 students across the region, providing lessons on digital citizenship, leadership, and creative expression. Building on this effort, Globe organized a three-day program in partnership with three institutions. The sessions combined digital literacy modules, leadership workshops, and creative platforms designed to nurture future-ready communities in Cagayan province. Investing in the Next Generation Globe’s programs in Cagayan province reaffirm its commitment to prepare young Filipinos for the future by strengthening their digital skills, leadership abilities, and creative platforms for self-expression. “As we saw in Cagayan province, young Filipinos are already shaping their own futures with technology, leadership, and creativity. At Globe, we see the youth not just as future leaders but as leaders of today. Our role is to stand beside them as they build a better tomorrow for their communities and the nation,” said Raymond Mancilla, Territory Business Head. A Generation of Innovation, Leadership, and Community In Cagayan, Globe’s Digital Thumbprint Program (DTP) is empowering students to be not just digital natives but active changemakers. At Peñablanca National High School, 250 students joined DTP sessions on responsible digital citizenship. Instead of passively waiting to learn, they shared the advanced AI tools they already use in their studies, such as Nomunity, Study Talk, Perplexity, Blackbox AI, and Scholar.ai — proof of their openness to innovation and their ability to find new ways to learn. At Cagayan State University, more than 350 student leaders gathered to explore how leadership can be rooted in everyday actions that shape their peers and communities. Through DTP and complementary workshops on inclusivity, responsibility, and student voice, participants were encouraged to see themselves as active drivers of change. The program culminated in the TM Fun Music concert, which brought together over 2,500 students from the CSU Andrews and Carig campuses. Performances by Amiel Sol, student artists, and local talents transformed the event into a celebration of creativity and community spirit. “We sincerely thank our partners at Globe for sharing their time, efforts, and resources with the students of Cagayan State University Andrews Campus. Through the Digital Thumbprint Program, we were reminded of the importance of using technology responsibly, while the concert gave us a chance to celebrate and come together as one community. These activities brought both learning and joy, leaving a lasting impact on us as more informed, connected, and inspired individuals,” said Kyle Aron Tan, CSU Student Regent and Andrews Campus Student Council President. Beyond the Skills For the 150 medical student leaders at the Medical Colleges of Northern Philippines, DTP offered more than lessons on digital responsibility. It became a reminder that in healthcare, leadership is not measured only by knowledge but also by empathy, ethics, and accountability. “The seminar was an eye-opening experience for all the student leaders, making them realize the importance of being responsible digital citizens in today’s fast-changing online world. I believe that each of us gained practical knowledge on how to protect our identity online, secure our personal information, and be more critical when encountering content on social media especially with the rise of fake news and misinformation,” said MSNP-ISAP Student Activities Coordinator, James Vidad. From classrooms to concert stages and from leadership workshops to personal journeys, Globe’s work in Cagayan province highlights one truth. The brilliance of Filipino youth is the country’s greatest harvest. By nurturing their potential, Globe is helping shape a generation of leaders, creators, and changemakers who will carry the promise of a brighter future.