DIGOS CITY, Davao del Sur – Governor Yvonne Roña Cagas brought smiles and backpacks to five public elementary schools on August 6, 2026, personally handing out school supplies to kindergarten and grade 1 learners. The distribution aimed to give the youngest students a confident start to the school year.
A Personal Touch from the Governor
Governor Cagas visited each school herself, kneeling to hand backpacks and notebooks directly to the children. She spoke with teachers about classroom conditions and listened to parents share their hopes for their little ones. Her presence turned a simple distribution into a community celebration of education.
The initiative targeted the earliest grade levels, recognizing that a child’s first formal school experience shapes long-term attitudes toward learning. By providing essential materials, the province removed a barrier that often keeps young learners from attending regularly. Parents expressed gratitude, noting that the supplies eased their financial worries during the enrollment season.
Supporting the Youngest Learners
The beneficiary schools included Pedro S. Garcia Elementary School in Punta Biao, Cogon, along with Ruparan Kindergarten School and Ruparan Elementary School. Balabag Elementary School also received supplies, ensuring that children from various barangays across Digos City were covered. Each set of materials was tailored to the needs of early grade pupils, with colorful notebooks and sturdy backpacks designed for small hands.
Kindergarten and grade 1 are critical years when children develop reading readiness and basic numeracy. Having their own supplies boosts a child’s sense of ownership and excitement for school. Educators noted that previous distributions led to improved attendance and classroom participation among young learners.
A Province-Wide Commitment to Education
This school supply drive is part of a broader push by the provincial government to strengthen basic education. Davao del Sur regularly allocates resources from its Special Education Fund to support public schools, funding classroom repairs, new facilities, and learning equipment. The covered stage recently completed at Balabag National High School is one example of infrastructure investments reaching the barangay level.
Health and nutrition programs also complement the education agenda. A ₱1.8-million mass deworming initiative in public schools helps children stay healthy and focused in class. The province views education as a holistic effort, linking nutrition, infrastructure, and learning materials to produce well-rounded students.
Easing the Burden on Families
For many families in rural Digos City, school supplies represent a significant expense that competes with other basic needs. The governor’s distribution directly reduced that burden, allowing parents to redirect funds toward food and daily necessities. Community leaders observed that the initiative strengthens the bond between local government and families.
The personal delivery by Governor Cagas added a layer of sincerity that resonated with residents. Children who met the governor left with more than just supplies; they carried the message that their education matters to the province. The gesture reinforced the idea that public service is about presence, not just programs.
Building a Foundation for Success
Investing in early childhood education yields long-term benefits for the entire community. Studies show that children who start school well-equipped are more likely to stay enrolled and achieve higher literacy levels. Davao del Sur’s consistent support for its youngest citizens reflects a strategic effort to build a stronger, more educated future workforce.
The governor’s visit to these five schools is one of many planned across the province. As more learners receive the tools they need, the hope is that every child in Davao del Sur will have the opportunity to dream big and achieve even bigger.
