ZAMBOANGA CITY — Farmer associations in the city have received P12.2 million worth of agricultural interventions from the Department of Agriculture (DA), facilitated by Majority Leader and District II Congressman Mannix Dalipe and Mayor John Dalipe.
The turnover ceremony, held on Friday morning, January 10, at the Culianan covered court, was led by officials from the DA-9, alongside Congressman Dalipe and Mayor Dalipe. The event marked a significant step towards bolstering agricultural productivity in the city.
The distributed farming equipment and inputs include a rice combined harvester, three units of farm trucks, two units of hand tractors with trailers, hauling trucks, seven grass cutters, and 20 bags of inbred rice seeds. These interventions are expected to enhance the efficiency and output of local farmers.
The beneficiaries, identified by the City Agriculturist Office based on their specific needs, represent various farmer associations from Tumaga, Manicahan, Curuan, Culianan, Vitali, Cabaluay, Guisao, Dulian Upper Bunguiao, Mampang, and Talabaan.
Nonong Estrada, the Provincial Coordinating Officer for Zamboanga from DA-9, emphasized the department’s commitment to supporting the agricultural sector in the region. “This initiative underscores our dedication to empowering farmers by providing the tools they need to succeed,” Estrada said.
Congressman Mannix Dalipe and Mayor John Dalipe expressed their gratitude to the Department of Agriculture for its continued support. “Agriculture remains a vital sector in our city, and these interventions will go a long way in improving the livelihood of our farmers,” they noted.
The turnover is part of ongoing efforts to enhance food security and promote sustainable agricultural practices in Zamboanga City.