Zamboanga City Government and Office of the City Agriculture turn over the farm equipment to 48 farmers’ associations in two different ceremonies on February 24 and March 3, 2025. (Photo Courtesy of Zamboanga City PIO)
ZAMBOANGA CITY – The City Government of Zamboanga, through the Office of the City Agriculturist (OCA), distributes essential farming equipment to various farmer associations to enhance rice production and support local farmers.
In a turnover ceremony at the City Hall grounds on February 24 and March 3, the city government handed over two rice combined harvesters, 28 walk-behind transplanters and 48 power tillers to farmer groups, reinforcing its commitment to modernizing agricultural practices.
The two rice combined harvesters, valued at P5.2 million, were awarded to the Pasomaria Irrigators Association and the Siguinan Companio Bunguiao Irrigators Association.
Meanwhile, the 28 walk-behind transplanters, worth a total of P3.92 million, were distributed across different districts, with Tumaga and Ayala receiving four units each, and Culianan, Manicahan, Curuan, and Vitali receiving five units each.
All equipment, manufactured by Kubota in Japan, have proven efficiency and high performance in rice farming operations, reducing labor costs and increasing productivity.
“These agricultural machines were funded by the local government through the 2024 annual budget. By providing modern equipment, we are improving the efficiency of rice farming and ensuring food security in the city,” said City Agriculturist Arben Magdugo.
Moreover, each power tiller, costing P105,000, was also awarded to 48 farmers’ associations, amounting to a total of P5.04 million. The distribution covered eight districts, with each receiving eight units—four allocated for high-value crops and four for the corn program.
“These power tillers are designed to operate efficiently not only on flat lands but also on hilly and rolling terrains, further enhancing farm productivity,” Magdugo stated.
He also emphasized that the farmer associations are responsible for the maintenance of the equipment, ensuring its longevity and sustained efficiency.
Further bolstering its agricultural support programs, the city government, through OCA, is set to turn over six hand tractor rotavators on March 10 and 127 units of water pumps on March 17, 2025. These efforts aim to strengthen land preparation and irrigation systems, further improving overall agricultural productivity in Zamboanga City. (MLE/PIA Region 9-Zamboanga City/With reports from Zamboanga City PIO)
