On July 7, 2025, the various heads of office of the Provincial Government of Nueva Vizcaya (PGNV) with Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito convened for the Budget Forum for fiscal year (FY) 2026, a meeting that is a ‘cornerstone’ of the PGNV’s mandate of good governance. The meeting took place in the Ammungan Hall, Capitol Compound, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya.

The program included presentations on the financial and economic matters of the province by Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator Engr. Edgardo A. Sabado on Development Investment, Provincial Treasurer Rhoda S. Moreno on Income Projection Revenue Sources, and Provincial Budget Officer Virginia N. Iglesias on Guidelines on Preparation and Submission of Budget Proposal. These presentations served to fully inform and empower the attendees with the relevant knowledge of the financial matters of the province, and in advocating for their respective departments.

In his speech opening the forum, Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito called for the support of the department heads in his initiatives, reiterating his previous inaugural address in which he vowed to reach even the farthest areas of the province – and provide them with the services they want. “We deliver not services that we believe are good for them,” said Governor Gambito, “We deliver the services they want, and what they want is what they need. And what they need is what is good for them.”

Governor Gambito also emphasized the continuation of old projects that served this end, such as the “Dalan ti Umili”, “Kalsadi ti Kabanbantayan”, “Silaw ti Umili”, and “Wifi ti Umili”. He also revisited an expressed desire in his inaugural address about ‘becoming the middleman between farmers and foreign traders’ and ‘cultivating a climate of competition,’ sharing anecdotes on his conversations with farmers on the ground. “We lack the facilities,” said Governor Gambito. “If we have to compete, we must be ready.”

Towards the goal of progress and ultimate benefit of everyone in the provincial government and province, Governor Gambito also proclaimed that sacrifices may be necessary, as he revealed urgent plans to acquire the nearby Calderon Compound for the provincial government at a steep cost.

Beyond the Governor’s plans for the province and the expert presentations, concerns were also raised by some of the attending body on specific issues on government work, such as funding and designation, during which Provincial Human Resource Management Officer Dr. Ma. Carla Lucia M. Torralba was on hand to discuss these concerns. The topic of the financial integration of the Universal Healthcare plan was also raised, though remains to be thoroughly examined and resolved by the relevant committees.

As Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito, Vice Governor Eufemia A. Dacayo, and the new members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan assume their posts and welcome the new semester, the PGNV too has begun its initial plans for the coming year and the pooling of its resources for the betterment of the province. In the words of Governor Gambito: “We are not just solving the present problem, but preparing the future for our children.” /igmb

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