ZAMBOANGA CITY (PIA) – The city government of Zamboanga has allocated P51 million for plans and programs catering to farmers and fishermen in 2024.

The allocation, the largest in the 17-year history of the City Agriculture Office, reflects the commitment of Mayor John Dalipe to support  farmers and fishermen. 

Acting City Agriculturist Arben Magdugo shared details outlining the allocation's purpose for agri-fishery production input support and modernization.

A substantial portion of the budget, amounting to P28 million, will be utilized for the acquisition of machinery benefiting local farmers, while the remainder will be directed towards agri-fishery inputs, including high-value crops like vegetables, corn, and fertilizers.

Beyond the P51 million allocated for the agriculture sector, other city offices are also gearing up for agricultural-related infrastructure projects. Among them, the City Engineer’s Office (CEO) has outlined plans for projects such as solar-powered irrigation systems for barangays Tolosa and Lanzones.

The national government has also allocated a substantial P355 million for the construction of farm-to-market roads in Zamboanga City in the coming year. 

Within this allocation, P90 million is designated for projects in District I, and P265 million for District II.

Dalipe and Councilor Vino Guingona, who chairs the Committee on Trade and Investment in the Sangguniang Panlungsod, discussed the finalization of Zamboanga City's new Investment and Incentive Code, with a focus on boosting the agriculture and fishery sectors. The proposed ordinance, expected to be filed soon, suggests a 100 percent tax-free incentive for agriculture and fishery investments ranging from P1 million to P3 million in capital for the initial three years of operation. 

“We hope to attract investors and create more job opportunities in the agriculture and fishery sectors,” Mayor Dalipe said. 

The new investment code aims to promote job opportunities, increase city income, and support environmental protection initiatives. (KSA/APG/RVC/EDT/MLE/PIA9-Zamboanga City)