ZAMBOANGA CITY – In a continuous effort to support the agriculture sector, the city government turned over another set of farming equipment to local farmers on Monday, March 10, reinforcing its commitment to increasing productivity and sustaining food security.
Mayor John Dalipe, alongside Majority Leader and District II Congressman Mannix Dalipe, led the distribution of six hand tractors with rotavators to various Vegetable Growers’ Associations in a ceremony held at the City Hall Grounds. The event began with a blessing ceremony officiated by Rev. Fr. Jeff Taib.
Funded by the city government at a total cost of PHP 1.9 million, each unit, valued at PHP 330,000, aims to enhance land preparation and improve planting efficiency for local farmers. The beneficiaries included associations from the City Agriculturist Field Offices located in Ayala, Tumaga, Culianan, Manicahan, Curuan, and Vitali Districts. The selection of recipients was facilitated by the Office of the City Agriculturist, led by Arben Magdugo.
The newly distributed equipment adds to the growing inventory of farm tools previously provided by the city government to strengthen local agricultural operations. This initiative aligns with the administration’s mission to equip farmers with modern tools, ensuring better yields and sustainable farming practices.
Present during the ceremony were Councilors Al-Jihan Edding and El King Omaga, City Agriculturist Arben Magdugo, Assistant City Agriculturist Engr. Erwin Kulayan, Assistant City Administrator Rodolfo Saavedra, Executive Assistants William Mariga, Gio Perez, and Roy Albert Venus, along with farmers and other stakeholders.
The city government remains steadfast in its goal to uplift the agricultural sector by continuously providing essential resources and technical support, further empowering farmers and securing the city’s food supply.