Nueva Vizcaya’s governance model revolves around a vision highlighting people participation and environmental responsibility.

Two of the province’s previously awarded programs are centered on environmental conservation and preservation. In 1999, Nueva Vizcaya was first recognized in the Gawad Galing Pook for its innovative approach to watershed management through its Watershed Co-Management Program.

The province was cited for assuming a significant role in developing an effective strategy to preserve the sources of the region’s water supply. The program watershed occupants into rightful partners from mere squatters as they now serve as the “social shield” against illegal loggers, kaingeros, and other violators.

Another environmental program, called the Tree Resources for Enterprise Education and Legacy (TREE for Legacy), which was awarded in 2002, reflects the province’s efforts to broaden environmental responsibility beyond the watershed occupants to include the general populace itself. A unique aspect of the program is its provision of usufruct or harvesting rights as an incentive for people to get actively involved in tree planting and maintenance.

The Quality Service Improvement Program (QSIP), awarded in 2000, is able to upgrade the healthcare standards in the province as well as promote greater access to healthcare services. This was primarily achieved through citizens’ involvement using customer feedback mechanisms, inter-hospital collaboration especially in the areas of patient referral and medicine procurement, and reforms in the Provincial Health Board to include civil society as stakeholders.

Beyond the healthcare system, Nueva Vizcaya’s reforms are also manifested in its real property tax system. Through its Reforming the Real Property Tax System Program, awarded in 2002, the province effectively reduced the cost and improved the efficiency of real property tax administration. Nueva Vizcaya also implemented programs that benefit other sectors of society. Under the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Program, awarded in 2002, the province empowered persons with disabilities and turned them into significant partners in development. The provincial government provided them access to healthcare services, livelihood training, and education.

Another program, awarded in 2003, provided for an Effective Criminal Justice System where those in jail are given opportunities to be productive members of society through livelihood trainings and values formation. The provincial government also partnered with other sectors of society, such as the church and the media, to effectively work together in expediting justice and enabling the local government unit to save on costs.

Nueva Vizcaya presents a model for governance fueled mainly by citizen’s participation. Its success is especially commendable given that a majority of the Sangguniang Bayan has opposed efforts of the provincial governor, while municipal mayors within the jurisdiction also provided lukewarm support.
Nueva Vizcaya demonstrates that good governance is possible, not because of political concessions, but because people have been empowered.