HAGONOY, Davao del Sur — The “Biyayang Bigas” food assistance program distributed 10‑kilogram rice packs to hundreds of families in Hagonoy on July 21, 2026. Beyond immediate hunger relief, the initiative is designed to circulate every peso back into the local agricultural economy.
Food on the Table, Support for Farmers
The rice distributed across Hagonoy’s barangays was procured directly from local farmers’ cooperatives under the Sagip Saka Program. This approach ensures that while vulnerable households receive immediate food aid, the region’s rice growers are guaranteed a fair market for their harvest. It transforms a standard relief operation into an economic stimulus for the municipality’s backbone industry.
Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office head Geraldine Lano explained that the dual‑purpose strategy cushions both consumers and producers. Families struggling with rising market prices now have one less expense, freeing up household budgets for medicine, education, and other essentials. Farmers, meanwhile, gain predictable demand that encourages them to plant the next cropping cycle with confidence.
Targeting the Most Vulnerable
The program prioritizes indigent families, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, solo parents, and indigenous communities. Transport sector workers such as pedicab and tricycle drivers, whose livelihoods are directly affected by fuel and food costs, were also included. Members of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) received the same assistance, reinforcing the national government’s broader social safety net.
To ensure orderly distribution, municipal social welfare teams set up shaded stations with priority lanes for the elderly and pregnant women. Barangay officials assisted in verifying beneficiary lists, maintaining transparency and preventing duplication. The system is designed to deliver aid swiftly while preserving the dignity of every recipient.
A Province‑Wide Commitment
Hagonoy is one of many municipalities benefiting from a ₱77‑million rollout funded through the Local Government Support Fund. Since the program launched in Matanao on June 9, distribution has reached thousands of families across Davao del Sur, including Sulop, Bansalan, Malalag, and Padala. Governor Yvonne Roña Cagas and Vice Governor Marc Cagas have overseen the sequential rollout to ensure every eligible household is covered.
The program aligns with the national government’s directive to mitigate the impact of inflation on basic commodities. By embedding agricultural procurement into the relief framework, the province strengthens its food security while keeping local economies afloat. Each sack of rice delivered is both a meal for a family and a lifeline for a farmer.
A Model for Sustainable Aid
The Biyayang Bigas initiative demonstrates how food assistance programs can be structured to generate lasting economic benefits. Instead of sourcing grain from distant suppliers, the province channels public funds directly into its own communities. The model has drawn praise for its efficiency and its potential to be replicated in other agricultural regions.
As the distribution continues across Davao del Sur, the dual impact becomes clearer: fewer hungry families and more resilient farming communities. The program proves that even emergency aid, when designed thoughtfully, can plant seeds for long‑term growth.
