By Rachel Magday
Nueva Vizcaya Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito has directed the Provincial Legal Office to explore potential legal actions against responsible officials of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
This decision follows the establishment of a Technical Working Group by the DENR, which was assigned to conduct a technical evaluation of the territorial boundaries between the municipalities of Sta. Fe in Nueva Vizcaya and San Nicolas in Pangasinan.
Governor Gambito made this directive during a meeting of the ad hoc committee of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, where representatives from the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) presented the TWG’s report.
During the meeting, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan also passed a resolution formally objecting to the TWG’s recommendation to set aside the NAMRIA survey results.
The governor expressed his gratitude to NAMRIA for standing firm on the validity of the NAMRIA survey, which delineated the correct boundaries between Sta. Fe and San Nicolas.
He has voiced strong objections to what he perceives as unwarranted interference by the DENR in the boundary issue concerning Barangay Malico, which he asserts was conclusively resolved through a Memorandum of Agreement signed by elected officials from both provinces.
He described the DENR officials’ actions as potential malfeasance, arguing that they are improperly intervening in a matter that has already been settled.
Governor Gambito emphasized that the boundary dispute over Barangay Malico has been thoroughly resolved.
He affirmed that Barangay Malico is officially part of Nueva Vizcaya, based on a delineation by the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) of the DENR.
However, the Technical Working Group’s final report contradicted the NAMRIA survey results, recommending that these be set aside in favor of the approved cadastral maps of both municipalities.
“There is no longer any boundary dispute to discuss,” declared Governor Gambito. “The NAMRIA delineation has settled the issue, and it was based on a memorandum of agreement that both parties fully perfected and signed.”
Governor Gambito defended the legitimacy of the agreement, asserting that the process was transparent and lawful. “The contract has been consummated, as the completed NAMRIA survey has already delineated the boundaries. There is nothing left to do but respect the results of this agreement. Everything is now a fait accompli.”
Governor Gambito’s directive to explore legal avenues underscores his administration’s commitment to safeguarding Nueva Vizcaya’s territorial integrity and ensuring adherence to previously established agreements.
