Atty. Jose V. Gambito was formally sworn in as Governor of Nueva Vizcaya on Monday, pledging to build on the province’s recent gains and continue championing inclusive development in his first full term as the province’s chief executive.
The oath-taking ceremony was held at the Carlos M. Padilla Convention Center, where Governor Gambito was joined by Congressman Atty. Timothy Joseph E. Cayton, Vice Governor Eufemia Ang Dacayo, and members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan in taking their oaths. Several municipal officials also took their oaths during the event, including Diadi Mayor Sandy Gayaton, Vice Mayor Rolito Dulnuan, and members of their Sangguniang Bayan, as well as Councilors Ricardo L. Bonus and Atty. Mark Joel P. Balgos of Bambang.
In a show of unity, Congressman Cayton and Vice Governor Dacayo both committed to working closely with Governor Gambito to ensure the continuous progress and prosperity of Nueva Vizcaya. The two officials expressed their full support for the governor’s vision and programs, emphasizing the importance of cooperation among the province’s leaders for the benefit of all Vizcayanos.
In his message, Governor Gambito expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support he received in the recent elections, which he described as a “testament to your trust.” He recounted his rise to the governorship in 2023, following the untimely passing of then-Governor Carlos M. Padilla, and reflected on the challenges and apprehensions he faced during his initial months in office.
“The warm embrace of our people, the openness to new ideas, and the responsiveness to our flagship projects gave me confidence to move forward,” Gambito said, highlighting the province’s achievements under his leadership. He cited Nueva Vizcaya’s insurgency-free status, its elevation to a first-class province, and its ranking as the second fastest-growing economy in the Philippines. The province also received its first-ever Seal of Good Local Governance from the Department of the Interior and Local Government.
“These achievements are the fruits of our unity, the dedication of our provincial employees, and the transformation in the way we serve our people,” he said.Looking ahead, Gambito outlined a comprehensive agenda for his administration, including the continuation and expansion of infrastructure programs such as “Kalsada ti Kabanbantayan” and “Dalan ti Umili,” and the extension of the “Free WiFi ti Umili” initiative to all public schools. He also vowed to improve healthcare by equipping hospitals with modern facilities and expanding the reach of the Wellness Caravan to remote areas.
The governor announced plans to reopen Bagabag Airport in coordination with the Department of Tourism to boost inter-regional tourism connectivity, and to extend incentives to senior citizens, including octogenarians and those aged 70 to 79. He reaffirmed his commitment to making Nueva Vizcaya an organic province, promoting renewable energy, and supporting local farmers through the establishment of a Palay Processing Center.
“Our vision is a province that is progressive, inclusive, and resilient—a Nueva Vizcaya where no one is left behind,” Gambito said.Reflecting on his political journey, Gambito shared that he had run for governor three times before finally winning, attributing his eventual victory to “divine providence and the trust of the Vizcayanos.”
“This is not just my victory, but a victory for all of us—for every Vizcayano who believes in honesty, hard work, and genuine service,” he concluded.
The oath-taking ceremony was historic for Nueva Vizcaya, as it was the first time the three highest provincial officials took their oaths together in one venue. Notably, Cayton and Dacayo ran under Aksyon Demokratiko, while Gambito was elected under the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas–Nacionalista Party coalition, making their show of unity a significant milestone for the province. /RMI
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