DIGOS CITY, Davao del Sur — A total of 1,545 families in Barangay Igpit received free rice and food packs during a distribution led by Mayor Josef Fortich Cagas on August 2, 2026. The activity is part of the city’s continuing effort to cushion residents from the impact of the ongoing energy crisis.
Relief Arrives at the Barangay Gym
The Barangay Igpit Gymnasium buzzed with activity early in the morning as families lined up to receive their share of rice and essential food items. Barangay officials, led by Punong Barangay Flaviano Hermoso Jr., assisted city personnel in organizing the smooth distribution. Each household left with enough supplies to ease their daily burden.
Mayor Cagas personally addressed the residents, reminding them that the food assistance program is a direct fulfillment of campaign promises he made in 2019. He emphasized that his administration remains committed to improving the quality of public service. The mayor assured the community that his team will continue to deliver on its pledges.
A Promise Kept, A Community Supported
The food aid program has already reached 16 of Digos City’s 26 barangays. The rotation system ensures that no neighborhood is overlooked during this period of economic strain. City officials have accelerated the rollout as rising energy costs continue to pinch household budgets.
Councilor Liza M. Cagas and Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative Bae Linda Regidor joined the distribution, underscoring the city government’s united approach to social welfare. Their presence reinforced the message that public service reaches all sectors, including indigenous communities within the barangay. The collaboration between city hall and local leaders highlights a shared responsibility for community well‑being.
Looking Beyond Relief
Beyond immediate food assistance, Mayor Cagas painted a picture of long‑term economic opportunity for Barangay Igpit. He pointed to the barangay’s proximity to the New Central Development Area in Barangay Matti as a catalyst for future growth. The development zone is expected to generate jobs, attract tourism, and stimulate local enterprise.
The mayor encouraged residents to view the current challenges as temporary, assuring them that infrastructure and livelihood programs are in the pipeline. The food packs serve as a bridge while the city works on more sustainable solutions. The message aimed to replace anxiety with hope and a sense of forward momentum.
A Citywide Commitment
The food distribution program reflects a broader citywide strategy to protect vulnerable families. Digos City, branded as the “City of Choice,” has woven social protection into its regular governance. The program’s consistent rollout across barangays demonstrates that no family is left to face hardship alone.
Residents of Igpit expressed gratitude for the timely aid, noting that the rice and food packs would help them stretch their limited budgets. The local government’s visible presence provided reassurance that the city is actively responding to their needs. As the program advances to the remaining barangays, Digos City continues to build a reputation for compassionate and responsive governance.
