Forging Unity, Fueling Growth

IN A BID TO TRANSFORM NUEVA VIZCAYA INTO THE FASTEST-GROWING LOCAL ECONOMY, GOVERNOR JOSE "JING" GAMBITO HAS JOINED FORCES WITH HIS POLITICAL OPPONENTS. COMMONLY REFERRED TO AS "PAPA JING," HE BELIEVES THAT RECONCILING WITH HIS POLITICAL RIVALS IS A KEY FACTOR THAT WILL DRIVE NUEVA VIZCAYA'S PROGRESS.

In the realm of politics, where division and rivalry often dominate, Governor Jose “Jing” Gambito achieved a rare breakthrough for his province through reconciliation. During the 2022 elections in Nueva Vizcaya, then vice gubernatorial candidate Jose Gambito and gubernatorial candidate Carlos Padilla were from opposing political camps. After the elections, Gambito found himself serving alongside his longtime political rival.

FROM RIVALRY TO UNITY

Then-Vice Governor Gambito initiated a reconciliation with then-Governor Padilla through a press release that called for unity and emphasized setting aside political differences and starting to focus on the province’s development and prosperity. In response, Padilla issued his own press release, supporting the cooperation between the executive and legislative branches and expressing hope about the positive impact of their unity. The exchange of statements started a significant shift in their political relationship.

Following this, Padilla invited Gambito to a joint oath-taking ceremony. They mutually agreed to establish close coordination between the executive and legislative branches of the provincial government. The provincial board, with Gambito serving as the presiding officer, immediately passed and approved the province’s 2023 Local Expenditure Program (LEP) in just two weeks. “There was no hassle, no contradiction. The board approved the project in just one session. Implementation took place the following week,” Gambito stated. “Because of our agreement, everything moved fast.”

Asked why he chose to reconcile their differences, Gambito replies, “Sawa na ang mga tao sa bangayan (People were tired of political bickering).” He felt reassured knowing that Padilla shared the same sentiment. “It helped a lot. In fact, it was one of the key reasons Nueva Vizcaya became the second fastest growing economy among Philippine provinces during that time.”

Unfortunately, the collaboration between Gambito and Padilla was brief. Just as their joint efforts for Nueva Vizcaya were beginning to yield results, Padilla passed away from a heart attack. By the rules of succession, Gambito assumed the province’s executive position as governor. In 2025, he ran for governor and won, aiming to continue the progress he had started.

IN A RARE ACT OF RECONCILIATION, THEN-VICE GOVERNOR JOSE GAMBITO SET ASIDE POLITICAL RIVALRY WITH THEN-GOVERNOR CARLOS PADILLA AFTER THE 2022 ELECTIONS TO GIVE WAY TO PROGRESS IN THE PROVINCE. THEIR UNITY LED TO FASTER IMPLEMENTATION OF PROJECTS, AND NUEVA VIZCAYA BECAME ONE OF THE FASTEST-GROWING PROVINCES IN THE COUNTRY.

FROM LAW TO PUBLIC SERVICE

Gambito was one of the youngest practicing lawyers in Nueva Vizcaya in the late 1990s, but his career took a turn from private practice to local government service. In 1998, he was elected as a member of the provincial board. Among his party’s eight man slate for provincial board member, he was the only one to win. He served four consecutive terms and then three terms as vice governor. He gradually ceased practicing law, as he did not want his government position to influence decisions on legal cases he was handling. “I would rather not be winning cases just because I was the vice governor,” he explains. With a determination to focus entirely on serving the people, he ran for governor after completing three terms as vice governor in 2013 but he lost. Undeterred, he ran again in the next two elections, only to experience defeat each time. While three consecutive losses would have discouraged others, Gambito remained resolute. “I believe that only quitters lose. So I didn’t quit,” he stresses. He made a political comeback in 2022, this time returning as vice governor. It seemed destined that he would become the governor of Nueva Vizcaya, for on May 5, 2023, following the death of Padilla, he was sworn in as governor.

Upon assuming office, Gambito wasted no time as the new governor of Nueva Vizcaya. He began to map out a course for the province focused on progress and sustainability, all while addressing the needs of its residents.

FROM GREENING TO PROTECTING

He initiated efforts to green the province through his Silaw ti Umili (Light for the People) Project, a solar energy initiative in which the provincial government distributes solar lights to households that are not connected to the electric cooperative. He aims to have at least 50 percent of the province solar-powered. The team has already distributed thousands of solar lights, and the procurement process for the second batch is currently underway. The initiative also reflects Gambito’s strong conviction in renewable energy as a sustainable alternative to traditional power sources.

But the ongoing construction of the 8.66-megawatt Matuno River Hydroelectric Power Plant in the municipality of Bambang has raised questions about the governor’s  commitment to renewable energy, given his strong opposition to the project. Gambito stresses that his stance is not against renewable energy itself but rather the safety of the surrounding communities.

The water from the Matuno River f lows directly downstream through Bambang and nearby communities, which are flood-prone. The overflowing water in those rivers floods Bambang and its neighboring areas. He explains that the dams of the hydroelectric project could change the river’s natural f low, increasing the substantial risk of f looding. “If that dam fails even once, it will be dangerous. It’s more on the safety of Novo Vizcayanos that I’m concerned about,” he stresses. He clarifies that he is not against the technology, but the threats it brings to lives and property should the infrastructure fail. “If the project were in another part of the province where no communities are directly downstream, I wouldn’t object. The environmental impact may be minimal in that case,” he explains. “But here, safety must come first.” Despite his objection, the project has continued without interruption.

“I just want to register my objection, so that if something happens, my conscience is clear. Because I am the governor, I am accountable for what happens to the people under my watch. If I didn’t do anything and something tragic happened, my conscience would be the one to haunt me.”

FROM LAND TO LIVELIHOOD

Gambito dreams of making Nueva Vizcaya the country’s first organic agriculture province. He explains that while the province is agricultural, with 80 percent of its people working as farmers and only a few white-collar professionals, most Novo Vizcayanos who till the land face the ongoing problems of high costs of farm inputs and low farmgate prices for their produce. Giving out dole-outs, according to Gambito, is not a sustainable solution. This is why organic farming is a viable alternative, as it eliminates the need to purchase synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Under his administration, the provincial government plans to build an organic fertilizer production facility to make inputs more affordable and accessible to farmers. “If we produce our own organic inputs, we will significantly lower the cost borne by our farmers,” he says.

However, this effort alone is not enough. They also face the challenge of unstable and unfair prices for produce, particularly rice. To address this issue, they are establishing a rice processing and trading hub run by the provincial government. This hub will include a buying station, warehouse, and drying and milling equipment, all under one roof. The provincial government will set the benchmark price by calculating a fair price for palay (unmilled rice), which will include not only the production costs but also the farmer’s labor. The price will be competitive with those offered by traders. Gambito anticipates that traders may outbid the government price when purchasing from farmers. While they may succeed in bidding higher than the government price, Gambito explains, “That’s fine with me as long as the farmers benefit. That’s how the system should work.”Currently, hoarders and middlemen dictate prices. Therefore, if no one buys from the farmers, the government will step in because it already has the necessary equipment and facilities. “We are not in business for profit. We are here to serve,” Gambito explains. He adds that these changes represent not just agricultural policy but a moral obligation. “I just want to make sure the farmers get their fair share. I don’t want anyone to go hungry. I want everybody to be happy.”

Gambito knows that to realize the dream of making Nueva Vizcaya the first organic agriculture province in the Philippines, infrastructure is essential. This is where the Kalsada ti Kabambantayan (Road to the Mountains) and Dalan ti Umili (People’s Road) projects, which aim to construct farm-to-market roads, come in. “Accessibility is everything. Farmers in remote areas face serious logistical challenges. If we want to help them, we must first help them reach their markets,” the governor stresses.

FROM FARMS TO ROADS

When he assumed office, Gambito stopped some infrastructure projects that, to him, are not a priority. He focused on farm-to-market roads, for he believes this will bolster his goal of making Nueva Vizcaya the f irst organic agriculture province. He knows that the bureaucratic process in government would slow down the infrastructure projects. Thus, he initiated the bayanihan (working together) system in building roads. He calls this project Dalan ti Umili. Instead of a slow process in the government before road construction starts, they need not go through validation and bidding, which sometimes contribute to the delay of the project. They also did not hire contractors for the project. The provincial government and municipalities provide cement and other materials, and the farmers in the localities volunteer to construct the road. And since this is a people-powered project, the wives and children of farmers also help in the mixing, hauling, and pouring of cement. According to Gambito, the government saves over 50 percent compared to contractor-built roads. And yet, the quality remains high. “It’s not substandard,” he assures. “In fact, it’s often better, because the people doing it make sure it’s done right. It’s their own road. Because they built it, they care for it. They know it’s for them and their children’s future,” the governor shares with pride.

WHEN HE ASSUMED OFFICE, GAMBITO FOCUSED ON FARM-TO-MARKET ROADS, FOR HE BELIEVES THIS WILL BOLSTER HIS GOAL OF MAKING NUEVA VIZCAYA THE FIRST ORGANIC AGRICULTURE PROVINCE. HE INITIATED THE BAYANIHAN (WORKING TOGETHER) SYSTEM IN BUILDING ROADS, WHICH CONTRIBUTED TO THE SUCCESS OF HIS DALAN TI UMILI (PEOPLE’S ROAD) PROJECT.

FROM DELAY TO REVENUE

Gambito's administration recognized Nueva Vizcaya as a top performer in local revenue growth. He worked on fiscal reforms by helping delinquent taxpayers settle their payments. When Gambito reviewed the records in the Provincial Treasurer’s Office, he discovered that there are many taxpayers who accumulated high penalties, in some cases even exceeding the value of their properties. “It seemed like they could no longer afford to pay. They wouldn’t pay because the value of their land was almost equal to what they owed in taxes.” She asked the provincial board to implement a tax amnesty program that allowed those delinquent taxpayers to enjoy waived interest, penalties, and surcharges if they settled their dues within a specified period. This resulted in an increase in tax payments during the amnesty period. “Many took advantage of the opportunity. Until now, they’ve become consistent and diligent in paying their taxes.” Tax collection became more efficient because of the eGov.ph platform that encourages residents to pay taxes online and has modernized how citizens access government services. People in Nueva Vizcaya not only process tax payments on this platform but also business permits and registration renewals online. Since people, especially those in far-flung areas, find it convenient, this has led to an increase in the local income as well. “I now have much leeway to serve our people because I know we have the funds to support it. The services we deliver come directly from the taxes our people contribute—and these ultimately go back to them.”

FROM HIDDEN GEM TO EMERGING DESTINATION

Nueva Vizcaya is also gaining ground as a major tourism destination now that it has been recognized by the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) through the prestigious ATOP Pearl Awards. While the governor is happy about this recognition, he acknowledges the fact that tourism is only limited to local tourists because of their distance from Metro Manila. For now, it takes about six to seven hours by land to reach Nueva Vizcaya from Metro Manila. This limits foreign tourists who always prefer accessible destinations. This is the reason why Gambito is pushing to continue the development of the airport to make it more accessible to both local and international tourists. There is an airport in the province, but it can only accommodate light aircraft and is not yet equipped for commercial passenger flights. The Regional Development Council has already endorsed the completion of the project. The construction has not yet started, but it is expected to continue in 2026. The airport will open for domestic comercial flights once completed.

Transforming Nueva Vizcaya from a quiet province into one of the fastest-growing provinces in the country is what Gambito considers one of his proudest achievements. The province was also declared as insurgency-free, which also made it attractive to investors since it assured a safer and more secure  business environment. For now, he is encouraging government employees, especially in the provincial government, to have a work culture that is centered on public service. He is continuously reminding them to be more courteous and responsive to people's needs. “They need to understand that we are here because of the people we serve,” he says. When there are no official commitments, the governor enjoys spending time in the mountains driving his 4x4 vehicle alone and taking this chance to chat with the locals to also know their sentiments and concerns. He also finds joy in jet skiing or fishing with local fishermen. “I’m happiest working directly with the people—talking to them, listening to their stories, and being on the ground,” he shares. These are the hobbies that he will do once he finishes his term and retires from public service, knowing fully well that he had served his province to the best of his abilities.

BAMBANG’S 25 PUNONG BARANGAY’S UNITE IN HISTORIC VISIT TO GOV. GAMBITO

For the first time, all 25 punong barangays of Bambang, led by Liga ng mga Barangay President Wilfredo Sampilo, paid a courtesy call on Governor Jose "Jing" V. Gambito to discuss their future requests and initiatives for their respective communities. The governor expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the barangay officials for heeding his call for unity and setting aside political differences to work together for the progress of Nueva Vizcaya. “Thank you for responding to my call for unity. By working together, we can truly deliver better services to our constituents,” he said. He also assured the barangay leaders of his full support and commitment to grassroots development. “I will always give way to the requests of the barangay officials. You can be assured that the provincial government will continuously strive to provide better services and support for all our barangays,” Gambito emphasized. The barangay chairmen also shared their concerns and proposals, marking a step toward stronger cooperation between the provincial and barangay leadership.