By Rachel Magday
Nueva Vizcaya Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito joined key political leaders from across Cagayan Valley in a meeting that rallied regional support for key infrastructure projects, including the proposed Cagayan Valley Super Highway and the Cagayan Valley River Basin projects.
The meeting was led by Cagayan Governor Edgar Aglipay and House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” De Guzman Dy III, with the leaders pushing a unified agenda for a safer, more stable, and more progressive Cagayan Valley.
Also present were Batanes Governor Ronald P. Aguto Jr., Isabela Governor Rodolfo T. Albano III, and Quirino Governor Dakila Carlo E. Cua. Joining them were Batanes Rep. Ciriaco B. Gato Jr., Cagayan 1st District Rep. Ramon C. Nolasco Sr., Cagayan 2nd District Rep. Baby Aline Vargas-Alfonso, Isabela 2nd District Rep. Ed Christopher S. Go, and Nueva Vizcaya Rep. Timothy Joseph E. Cayton.
The gathering reinforced the region’s push to speak with “one voice” under Gov. Aglipay’s leadership as chairperson of the Regional Development Council (RDC) 02 and the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) 02, with the aim of speeding up decisions, strengthening security, and improving the delivery of government programs.
During the meeting, One Cagayan Vision Team Head and Cagayan Third District Board Member Atty. Engelbert Caronan Jr. presented priority infrastructure initiatives in the region.
Speaker Dy III said the projects can be realized if Cagayan Valley leaders remain united and work together, adding that the initiatives are expected to strengthen food and water security across the region.
Gambito emphasized Nueva Vizcaya’s strategic role as the gateway to Cagayan Valley, saying improved road connectivity and water resource development would strengthen the movement of goods and people through the province and support the region’s farm output and investments.
He said the projects are expected to cut travel time and transport costs, improve market access for agricultural products, and enhance the province’s position as a key entry point for trade and services going to and from the rest of Region 02.
