IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay (PIA) – The Department of Agriculture (DA)-9 took center stage in the June 18, 2024 episode of Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas in Zamboanga City, where they showcased their achievements and the department’s efforts to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability in Zamboanga Peninsula.
Maria Melba Wee, technical director for operations, emphasized the importance of collaboration with various stakeholders in achieving the department’s accomplishments and advancing agricultural progress in the region.
“The farmers and the fisherfolks, we are partners in everything, especially with regard to agricultural development, together with our local government units,” Wee said.
DA-9 reported that the region has sufficient supply of rice, attributing to the adoption of modern farming techniques and the distribution of high-quality seeds and fertilizers to local farmers. These advancements have led to improved yields and greater food security in the region.
DA-9 also created sustainable livelihood opportunities for fisherfolk in ZamPen by supplying essential materials to enhance production, including seaweed input materials and high-density polyethylene cages to several associations. These initiatives aim to modernize harvesting methods and increase yield.
The department underscored its commitment to supporting farmers and fisherfolks through various programs such as mechanizing and modernization of production systems and improving available agricultural areas for increased production.
The Intensified Building-Up of Infrastructure and Logistics for Development (I-BUILD) under the Philippine Rural Development Project of DA, has highlighted its water potable system projects in the municipalities of Olutanga, Mabuhay, Godod, Mutia, Sibuco, Siayan and Josefina amounting to a total project cost of P1,340,855,320.40.
Meanwhile, Investment for Rural Enterprises and Agricultural and Fisheries Productivity (I-REAP) component focused on the consolidation and trading of cacao wet beans, copra, fresh bananas and raw dried fish in the municipalities of Payao and Mabuhay in Zamboanga Sibugay and Vincenzo Sagun, Dimataling and Dumalinao in Zamboanga del Sur.
Initiatives have been made in livestock production, providing training and resources to improve animal management practices, for an increased productivity and better quality meat products for the local market.
Despite these successes, DA-9 acknowledged ongoing challenges such as climate change and limited access to modern technology. The department is committed to tackling these issues through continuous innovation and collaboration with local stakeholders.
In her closing statement, Wee urged the stakeholders, especially the farmers and fisherfolks, to maintain their passion and commitment in ensuring a steady food supply for every Filipino household.
“For our farmers and fisherfolks, let us continue to have that zest and passion to really see to it that we produce food in each table of the Filipino people,” Wee said. (EDT/RBI/PIA9-Zamboanga Sibugay)
