Following the unexpected passing of former Governor Carlos M. Padilla in May 2023, Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito took on the role and has continued to guide Nueva Vizcaya toward progress and good governance. In less than two years, the province has achieved significant recognition, including the prestigious Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG)—often referred to as the “mother of all awards” for local government units. These accolades highlight Nueva Vizcaya’s steadfast commitment to community development, fiscal responsibility, and exemplary public service.

Governor Gambito reflects on these achievements with gratitude for God’s blessings, stating that “these awards are not just a reflection of my leadership, but a recognition of the hard work and unity of all Novo Vizcayanos.”

He expresses, “My focus is not on seeking recognition, but on ensuring that the people truly feel the presence of a government that cares for their welfare. The accolades are an added benefit, affirming that Nueva Vizcaya is on the right path, and I am thankful that these honors enable me to demonstrate to the Novo Vizcayanos that they have a government committed to their well-being and progress.”

“Inspiring our coworkers towards a common goal is key to our success,” he adds. Since taking office, he has introduced innovations and eliminated ineffective government activities. His administration prioritizes responsiveness to the needs of constituents, recognizing that with limited funds, prioritization is crucial.

He also highlights the importance of a clean and organized work environment, stating, “Promoting cleanliness and organization in the provincial capitol goes beyond aesthetics. A well-maintained work environment fosters inspiration and motivates everyone to come to work with enthusiasm.” He concludes, “Innovation is our guiding principle because effective governance, especially at the grassroots level, requires a change in strategy.”

Insurgency-Free Declaration: A Commitment to Peace

Nueva Vizcaya has been formally declared an insurgency-free province, highlighting the government’s commitment to maintaining peace and order, which fosters economic growth and community development.

Economic Growth: Leading the way

The Philippine Statistics Authority recognized Nueva Vizcaya as the top province for the fastest-growing economy, with impressive growth in the industry sector. The province also ranked second among the top ten provinces for annual GDP growth rates, reflecting effective economic strategies.

Tourism Excellence: Showcasing Local Culture

The province has made significant progress in tourism, with Marichelle O. Costales named the Most Outstanding Tourism Officer in the Philippines. Nueva Vizcaya also secured multiple awards, including 1st Runner-up for Best Tourism Promotions Brochure at the ATOP Pearl Awards of the Department of Tourism.

Healthcare Achievements: Prioritizing Well-Being

Nueva Vizcaya has been recognized for its commitment to Universal Health Care, receiving the UHC Milestone Achievement Award at the Department of Health Gawad Kalusugan 2024 . Notable hospitals, such as the Diadi Emergency Hospital and Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Hospital, were praised for their contributions to healthcare. The province also earned the Nutrition Honor Award for improving residents’ nutritional status.

Disaster Preparedness: A Model for Resilience The province’s proactive disaster risk reduction efforts have earned it the Gawad Kalasag Seal of Excellence of the Office of Civil Defense for two consecutive years, reflecting its commitment to citizen safety and community resilience.

Fiscal Management: A Leader in Revenue Collection

The Provincial Treasury Office was awarded Top 1 for Real Property Tax collection in Region 2 by the Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) and secured fourth place nationwide for year-on-year growth in local revenues, showcasing effective fiscal management.

Infrastructure Development: Building for the Future

Nueva Vizcaya has been recognized as one of the Top Ten Local Government Units (LGUs) in the Philippines for its outstanding infrastructure projects through the SubayBayani Awards.

Energy Efficiency

The province received the Energy Efficiency Excellence Award from the Department of Energy for its sustainable practices, demonstrating a commitment to energy-saving measures that benefit the environment and economy.

Governance and Public Service: Setting the Standard

Nueva Vizcaya was awarded the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) by the Department of the Interior and Local Government for exemplary governance. It also received the ARTA RCS Silver Award for outstanding public service and was recognized as an Outstanding eNGAS User Entity for excellence in financial management.

Provincial Development Framework: A Vision for the Future

Vizcaya was the first in the region to secure approval for its Provincial Development and Physical Framework Plan (PDPFP) of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, which promotes sustainable growth and development through strategic land resource utilization.

Support for Veterans: Honoring Sacrifices

The province received recognition from the Department of National Defense as a “Kagitingan Builder” for its contributions to veterans’ welfare, including support for the Heroes Bequest Project.

Social Welfare Support

Nueva Vizcaya reveived a plaque of recognition from the Department of Social Welfare and Development Region 2 for its outstanding support of the Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program.

Anti-Trafficking and Violence Prevention

The province achieved an IDEAL functionality rating from the Local Committee Against Trafficking and Violence Against Women and Children (LCAT-VAWC), showcasing its commitment to protecting vulnerable populations.

Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Jail and Warden Awards: Commitment to Correctional Excellence

The Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Jail has been recognized as the Most Outstanding Provincial Jail and SFO4 Carmelo B. Andrada(Ret) as Outstanding Provincial Warden in the Philippines for four consecutive years. It has also been acknowledged by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) as a drug-free workplace, demonstrating a commitment to a safe and rehabilitative environment for inmates.

A Bright Future

Under Governor Gambito’s leadership, unity has been the key to fostering an environment where innovative ideas flourish and community needs take center stage. As the province pursues excellence, it sets a benchmark for other local government units, demonstrating that through collaboration and a commitment to the common good, sustainable development is within reach. Indeed, the future is bright for Nueva Vizcaya. /RMI

[This article was initially created on Facebook – Vizcaya Reporter. For PLGU-Nueva Vizcaya updates, visit: https://www.facebook.com/vizcayareporter]