DIGOS CITY, Davao del Sur — More than 1,350 persons with disabilities gathered at the Digos City Gymnasium on July 25, 2026, not for a rally or a meeting, but to receive something that made their lives a little easier. Each went home with ₱1,250 under the city’s Localized Pension for PWD Program, timed to celebrate National Disability Rights Week.
A Payout That Means More Than Cash
The distribution was a team effort by the City Social Welfare and Development Office, the Persons with Disability Affairs Office, and the City Special Programs and Management Office. They handled the logistics, verified the list, and made sure every beneficiary got their envelope without hassle. For many, the cash meant a few weeks’ worth of medicine, some extra food, or a bit of breathing room in a tight budget.
Councilor Liza M. Cagas, who chairs the council committee on human rights and social welfare, personally attended the event. She told the crowd that the local government, under Mayor Josef Fortich Cagas, has no plans to slow down its support for the disability sector. Her words drew nods and applause from those seated in the gymnasium.
Rights Week Becomes a Day of Action
National Disability Rights Week, observed every July under Proclamation No. 597, is meant to promote the rights and well‑being of PWDs. Digos City turned the week into a concrete act of giving. The pension payout was not just ceremonial; it was a direct financial boost to individuals who often struggle to find steady income.
The program is local, meaning it is funded and managed entirely by the city government. This allows Digos to respond quickly to the needs of its residents without waiting for national agencies. Officials said the list of beneficiaries is updated regularly to include newly registered PWDs, ensuring that the aid reaches those who truly need it.
Building a More Inclusive City
Beyond the cash, the event served as a gathering that reminded PWDs they are seen and valued. The gym was filled with conversations, laughter, and the quiet reassurance that someone was looking out for them. Community organizations and barangay workers also turned out to offer information on other services, from skills training to accessible transport.
Councilor Cagas emphasized that the city government is working to expand opportunities for PWDs to participate in community growth. She pointed to ongoing efforts to make public spaces more accessible and to involve PWDs in livelihood programs. The pension is just one piece of a much larger puzzle.
A Promise of Continued Support
The city has been running the pension program for several years, and the turnout shows how many families rely on it. Plans are underway to link recipients to additional health and education support. For the PWDs of Digos City, the message on July 25 was clear: the community stands with them, not just during a special week, but all year round.
