The local chief executive here has vowed to prioritize job opportunities and employment for residents as a way to recover from the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.
In an interview Tuesday, reelected Mayor Josef Fortich Cagas said he will focus on various post-pandemic recovery efforts, particularly on the livelihood development program.
“Recovery for me is more of creating opportunities for employment and businesses,” he said.
During the onslaught of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, Cagas said the city government has supported and assisted the business sector by reducing the fees and condoning the penalties and fines.
However, the challenges brought by Covid-19 did not hamper the tax collection of the city as business owners continue to pay their dues to the government.
“We want to make Digos City a place of choice to live, work and visit. All of our programs focused on our goals and initiatives despite the challenges of Covid-19 and the earthquakes,” he said.
In October 2019, four major earthquakes hit the city, followed by the lockdowns brought about by Covid-19.
“We saw the resiliency of our people and the city government. Despite those challenges we are still recognized as the best city for our Covid-19 initiatives and management,” the mayor said.
Source: Philippines News Agency
