Nueva Vizcaya is a landlocked province in Cagayan Valley (Region II) in the Philippines. It covers about 4,221.45 square kilometers and is composed of 15 municipalities, subdivided into 275 barangays. The capital of the province is Bayombong, which also serves as its educational, cultural, and administrative center. Known as the 'Watershed Haven of the Philippines,' Nueva Vizcaya is rich in natural resources, playing a vital role in water supply and agricultural production while also being home to diverse indigenous communities and scenic landscapes.

History

Nueva Vizcaya was established as a province in 1839 during the Spanish colonial period. It was named after the province of Vizcaya in Spain (now Biscay in the Basque Country). Originally, it covered a much larger area that included present-day Quirino, Isabela, and parts of Aurora. Over time, its territory was reduced as these areas became separate provinces. Before Spanish rule, Nueva Vizcaya was inhabited by various indigenous groups, including the Gaddang, Isinai, Ilongot (Bugkalot), and Kalanguya, each with distinct cultures and traditions. The Spaniards attempted to Christianize and govern these groups, but due to the province’s mountainous terrain, many communities remained relatively independent. During the American period (1898–1946), Nueva Vizcaya was organized under the civil government, and infrastructure such as schools and roads were developed. After World War II, the province recovered from heavy destruction and gradually became an important center for agriculture and mining in Region II. Today, Nueva Vizcaya is known not only for its role as the 'Watershed Haven of the Philippines' but also as a province where indigenous heritage and modern development blend, preserving a unique cultural identity within Cagayan Valley.