RICE PROGRAM

With the city’s deeper emphasis on enhancing food security and self- sufficiency, the key target of the office for CY 2017 is to produce 19,513 metric tons (MT) inclusive of lowland and rainfed through various intervening activities like extension support, education and training services to advance farmer’s technical knowledge on the latest technological breakthroughs.

Although, Zamboanga City was not spared from the flashfloods happened during the 2^nd semester that slightly affected rice producing barangays like Sta. Maria, Talisayan, Vitali, licomo, Mangusu and Tictapul still an increase of 122% in terms of production was noticed. Total area planted was 5,157 hectares; total area harvested was 5,131.7 hectares with a total production of 23,828.9 metric tons however, a decreased of 0.9% compared to last year’s production of 24,045.5 metric tons.

Advancing farmers technical knowledge through technology transfer, a Season Long Training for Rice with “Pagkain Para sa Masa” was carried out in Bolong on March-June of this year.

Recognizing the relative advantage of using hybrid rice seeds as compared to inbred certified, good seeds and farmers home saved seeds, two (2) Rice Cluster Demo Farms were established in Talabaan and Manicahan. A 10-hectare farm featuring the hybrid rice seed varieties, SL-12H, Meztiso 38 (NSIC Rc 262H), US-88 (NSIC Rc236H), NK-5017 (NSIC Rc234H) and Bigante Plus with fertilizer input assistance.

In order to demonstrate suitability, adaptability and productivity of upland rice and other rice varieties, three (3) varietal demonstrations were conducted in coordination with the Research Division. NSIC Rc 23, NSIC Rc 29, NSIC Rc 11, NSIC 8, NSIC Rc 3, NSIC Rc 22 and Cambodia Rice were among the varieties planted in the demonstration sites. These are indeed very promising varieties since it showed comparable results those of other rice varieties.

To evaluate the soil health condition of lowland rice ecosystem through soil analysis and to come up with seven (7) color-coded maps for fertilizer guide, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, pH, organic matter and soil texture, Soil Health Assessment was carried out in six agricultural districts in the City in coordination with Bureau and Soil and Water Management.

Under the High Yielding Technology Program of the Department of Agriculture in collaboration with our office distributed a total of 350 bags of certified seeds and 48 bags hybrid seeds divided equally to six agricultural districts.

CORN PROGRAM

Corn is the second most important agricultural commodity in the city and in Zamboanga Peninsula. White maize is the most important substitute staple in periods of rice shortage, especially for people in rural areas. Yellow maize is the primary source of feed for the Philippines’ animal industry, and is being increasingly used by the manufacturing sector. Some 600, 000 farm households depend on corn as a major source of livelihood, in addition to transport services, traders, processors and agricultural input suppliers who directly benefit from corn production, processing, marketing and distribution.

Year round production of corn had significantly increased by 19.6% as compared to last year’s yield. A total of 7,206 hectares of area harvested was recorded this year with corresponding production of 23,178 metric tons.

Significant expansion in the production and area has been recognized to the vast production of corn seeds to farmers thru the corn buffer stock program of the Department of Agriculture. Corn farmers of Zamboanga City benefitted 900 bags Certified OPV white corn (NSIC Cn-08-888) of 18kgs and 200 bags of hybrid corn respectively which was allocated to them and for redistribution to other farmer beneficiaries upon harvest in 1:2 ratio scheme.

The technologists never failed to extend support services to its clienteles. Several extension activities were conducted in order to help in the increase of its production. As mandated, farmers’ meeting/classes were held educating corn farmers on the latest updates much more in encouraging them in some way to adopt the organic farming technology. Along this line, the office conducted a Farmers Field School (FFS) on Integrated Pest management for corn at San Isidro, Bunguiao, Mulawin, Mangusu and Sitio Hapa, Salaan.

Designed to decrease post-harvest losses and hasten productivity, Pat Farmers Association in Sibulao was a recipient of one (1) unit Corn Sheller from the Department of Agriculture.

Furthermore, Mr William Hamoy, a corn farmer from Sinoropan, Licomo was also given citation as one of the most outstanding corn farmer in the region by the Department of Agriculture- RFO IX.

Cassava an agricultural commodity classified under Corn Program is indeed one of the most promising commodity in the city. It has a total production of 41,724 metric tons with a total area planted of 3,329 hectares. Significantly decreased in production of 12.6% was recorded this year compared to last year’s production.

 

HIGH VALUE CROPS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

 

1. Production

The High Value Crops Development Program is one of the three (3) major programs on crop services of the City Agriculture’s Office supported by the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office IX. Again this program has been in existence to address food security problem, poverty alleviation and sustainable growth on crop production. Specifically, it aims to promote maximum crop production, processing as value adding activities and marketing of high value crops. Moreover, High Value Crops Development Program helped increase farmers’ income, create livelihood opportunity and in totality contributes to agricultural development in Zamboanga City.

For Calendar Year 2017, the program provided interventions through the Department of Agriculture to viable, qualified and registered farmers’ organization in order to promote livelihood opportunity, increase productivity and income. The interventions were in the form of training on the different package of technology, provision of farm inputs (vegetables and organic fertilizers), nursery facility, farm machineries and planting materials (cacao, coffee & rubber).

These identified interventions have helped the different farmers’ association in terms of reducing cost of inputs, increasing farm productivity and modernizing farm and nursery equipment. The identified intervention includes the usage of OPV vegetable seeds, adoption of organic and natural farming system through model farms establishment which served as venue for the farmers’ in increasing their knowledge and skills that helped in the development of their farms.

The High Value Commercial Crops Development program is composed of four (4) components and they are the following: vegetable production, commercial and plantation crops production, Industrial crops production and extension services through trainings, farmers’ classes and field visitation.

Vegetable Production

Of the 2,234.43 hectares’ total area harvested in CY 2017, 288.87            hectares were planted in CY 2016. The total area planted for CY 2017 is       2,266.43 hectares and 376.34 hectares will be harvested in the first     quarter of CY 2018.

 

Due to Type IV weather condition we experienced in Zamboanga City for CY 2017, the area for vegetable production increases to 24.93% from the area planted in CY 2016. There is an increase of 9.6% in the volume of production and 40.4% increase of farmers’ practitioner for the different commodities in comparison to CY 2016 performance.

The following are the programs implemented in the different district in support to vegetable production such as:

• The Bahay Kubo Project on its 1^st year of implementation as part of the Executive – Legislative Agenda Program participated by the Rural Improvement Club members, IPs and 4Ps under the coverage of the six (6) agricultural districts. Seeds were provided by the Department of Agriculture with 2,900 packs of Pinakbet and sinigang type of vegetables @ 35 grams per pack and the Local Government Unit in the amount of Php 360,000.00.

• The Dia de Alcalde program of the City Mayor, Hon. Isabelle G. Climaco participated by the City Agriculture’s Office through the distribution of assorted vegetable seeds amounting to Php 210,000.00, funds from the City Mayor’s Office. Different agricultural brochures were distributed provided by FITS Center and Department of Agriculture. One hundred beneficiaries were serve every Tuesday and Thursday on a weekly basis.

• Farmers’ classes and training were conducted to disseminate updated package of technology on vegetable production that helped in the improvement of farmers’ practices and productivity.

Commercial/Plantation Crops Production

1. Mango Production

A continuous reduction on the volume of production as of CY 2016 was 31.80% and as of CY 2017 an additional of 15.4% has occurred due to infestation and infections of pests and diseases; poor plant nutrition that causes more fruit drops.

2. Banana has shown an increase in production of 5.7% due to favorable weather condition increases its area planted by 8.7% with an average production of 5.16 per hectare in comparison with CY 2016 (4.87 m.t. per hectare). Some of the banana orchards were rejuvenated to improve its production. Lakatan variety shows a promising market opportunity in the local market and keeps on increasing in terms of area planted and volume of production.

3. Durian volume of production increases to 2.28% comparing the decrease last CY2016 (3.4 %) despite the heavy rain during flowering stage.

4. Lanzones – For CY 2016 only 44.82 hectares were harvested with the total production of 329.51 m.t. an average production of 7.35 m.t./hectare and a decrease in production of 45.3% due to plant poor nutrition. For CY 2017, only 5.25 hectares were harvested because of too much rain.

To continuously improve farmers’ productivity, series of farmers’ classes and trainings on production, postharvest and marketing were conducted for sweet potato, mango, banana, calamansi, durian, pomelo and lanzones. Organic farming and fertilizer management was the main topic in all training conducted. This was to give more emphasis on maintaining the health of the soil.  Market linkages were fully strengthened to bridge the gap between the buyers and the producers.

Industrial Crops Production

Comparing the total production in CY 2016 & 2017 has shown a decrease of .02% in terms of area harvested but an increase in the volume of production 6.6%. Trainings were also provided for cacao and coffee production. A total of 290,000 cacao grafted seedlings and 30,000 coffee seedlings were distributed that marks the increase in area planted.

This Year, the HVCDP program conducted one training on Good Agricultural Practices for coffee and cacao production sponsored by the Department of Agriculture participated by growers conducted at LM Metro Hotel last February 2017. This is in preparation for the distribution of planting materials. Also conducted 6 trainings on the package of technology for coffee production; cacao production; rubber production; banana production and vegetable production sponsored by the Department of Agriculture.

Farmers’ classes were conducted every month by barangay to keep farmers abreast on the updates of new package of technologies based on researches and demonstration conducted.

• Other Supports

The Department of Agriculture through the High Value Crops Development Program has provided the following interventions:

1. Seven (5) units Hand Tractor with Rotavator (P/150,000.00/unit with no equity);
2. Three (5) units power sprayer (P/18,000.00/unit);
3. Six (6) units Knapsack power sprayer (P/ 4,500.00/unit)
4. 6,600 budded rubber seedlings
5. 30,000 coffee seedlings
6. 100 kilos Assorted Vegetable Seeds
7. 360 kilos of peanut seeds
8. 30 units Plastic Drums
9. 2,000,000.00 budget for Banana Chips processing

 

AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING AND FARM MECHANIZATION

The Agricultural Engineering Section mostly facilitates the pre-implementation, implementation as well as monitoring of various agricultural engineering related programs and projects. This C.Y. 2017 the Agricultural Engineering Section has facilitated the following projects:

• BUB Projects
• Farm-to-Market Road
• Irrigation
• Postharvest Facility
• Tractor Operation and Mechanization
• Calamity Assistance
  • Waterpumps
  • Drilling Rig Operation
  • Power Sprayers
  • Electric Drills and Gensets
• GPS and GIS Mapping

Under the BUB Projects, there was only a continuation of 2014 – 2016 project implementation since the national government has already drop the said program.

On Farm-to-Market Roads, for DA funded 17 projects for 2017 amounting to a total of P60 Million that translates into more or less 6 kilometers of Farm-to-Market Road.  We also conducted project monitoring with DA to 49 Farm-to-Market Roads funded in the previous years (C.Y. 2013 – 2016) amounting to a total of P121,100,005.00 consisting of more or less 12.51 kilometers of Farm-to-Market Roads.  Of the 49 FMRs only 2 FMRs remain on-going while the 47 FMRs were already completed based on the monitoring with the Department of Agriculture.

For the City, there were 10 FMR projects for CY 2017 with a total amount of P15 Million which translates to more or less 1.5 kilometers.

For Irrigation, the City funded 1 project this year amounting to P1,500,000.

For C.Y. 2017 Postharvest Facilities, the city funded 6 sites of Solar/Seaweeds Dryers amounting to a total of 3,000,000 at 200 sq.m. per site.

For tractor operation and mechanization, city funded P200,000 for the maintenance of the farm tractors wherein 2 units were made operational.  Of which 54.5 hectares were plowed or harrowed.  The office also facilitated 7 MOAs on On-Farm Mechanization Program to the Department of Agriculture, consisting of 2 Floating Tillers, 3 Rice Threshers, and 2 Hand Tractors.

On calamity assistance, the office monitored the utilization of 24 waterpumps and 1 drilling rig which was provided in previous year.  For C.Y. 2017 with the cocolisap infestation, the City provided 20 power sprayers, 12 electric drills, and 12 delivered gensets.

FISHERIES

 

The Fisheries & Regulatory Services Division (FRSD) is responsible on the delivery of both extension and regulatory services, programs and projects duly funded by the City Government of Zamboanga through the City Medium Term Fisheries Development Program.   Its primary concern   is to increase and sustain the fishery sector industry particularly on fish food productivity through proper utilization, management, development, conservation and protection of the municipal fishery resources.

            The Division caters two primary functions, the fisheries extension and regulatory services.

In the Fisheries Extension Services, the aquaculture production covers bangus-3,355.01 metric tons with 3,419 fishpond operators; prawn-898 metric tons with 3,646 fish farmers adopting poly-culture farming system and 23,980.50 metric tons of seaweeds with 7,202 farmers including seasonal farmers. It is worthy to note that production increases by 64.47% versus last year for bangus and 15.49% for prawn. There was a negative impact or reduction of 13.74 % for seaweeds and decreasing municipal fish capture by 29 percent. Likewise, the municipal fisheries contributed 6,425.73 metric tons with 8,142 fishermen technically assisted using both motorized and non-motorized fishing boats. For freshwater aquaculture 23.865 metric ton produced with 323 fish farmers/fishermen as workforce in Calarian boglake and including those in backyard freshwater inland bodies of water

Massive Education and Information Campaigns (EIC) was conducted in every districts to ensure linkages and massive advocacy networking as well as technological transfer to the stakeholders through trainings, congress, conference and consultative meetings. Also, some technical staff were sent to training-workshops in other regions to acquire recent technical skills and knowledge to impart to the fishery industry players considering the fact that Zamboanga City is the trading center for ZamPen and ARM regions. Wherein, the fish traders, processors and exporters are established or operating in the City of Zamboanga.

The fisherfolk were organized into an associations/cooperative and federated into a city-wide level to establish good networking and linkages to empower them to become more participative and active involvement in all local and national fishery programs, projects and activities. Several fisherfolk leaders were sent to trainings to become technically advanced in terms of increasing productivity in their livelihood. However, there are challenges and issues being faced by the fisherfolk particularly on global warming/climate change concerns, calamity, economic crisis that affects their business enterprise. However, there will be continued efforts undertaken from the different districts and established closed coordination with the different national government agencies in obtaining farm inputs subsidies and facilities from BFAR and other support agencies.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, a sister agency of the Office of the City Agriculturist also extended assistance to the fisherfolk in the form of trainings or production input, to wit: Fish Cage Training, Talaba Culture Training, Payao Training, stilt dryer, Seaweed Farming Inputs, Bangus and Prawn Fry, Fishing Gears, squid jiggers and motorized fiberglass fishing boats

Other than these, BFAR also established and constructed two (4) Community Fish Landing Centers in Labuan, Arena Blanco Tictapul and Mangusu respectively.  Prior to the turn- over of the said facilities, the National Anti- Poverty Commission (NAPC) also conducted Social Preparation Seminar participated by the identified association as beneficiaries of the project.

More so, BFAR with the assistance and support from USAID also conducted trainings on fishery law enforcement with reiteration and emphasis on the proper protocol in handling illegal fishing acts in the city. This training aimed to empower and educate the participants on the importance of protecting our water resources.

The Fisheries Regulatory Services primary function is the implementation and enforcement of the City Fisheries Ordinance No. 2002-89 and other related local ordinances in consonance with the national fishery laws, rules and regulations. It generated P3,560,685.00 revenues from the issuance of Auxiliary Invoices to various fishery products shipped-out from the city. Likewise, P166,922.00 is generated from the issuance of seaweeds licensing and P1,012,353.60 from the registration/licensing of municipal fishing boats and fishery establishments amounted to P770,906.37 with a total collection amounting P5,577,866.97 including collections made from the Administrative Fines imposed to the 61 fishery violators amounted to P67,000.00 with the support from the different law enforcing agencies and barangay officials. In contrast last 2016, there is an increase of collection by 22.4%

The issuance of auxiliary invoices are undertaken in the different three (3) fishery checkpoints established at the Port Area, ZC Airport and Putik with deployed ten (10) fishery inspectors/fishery law enforcement team. The City Fishery Law Enforcement Team (CFLET) is conducting sea patrol, surveillance and apprehension of fishery violators, city-wide in coordination with the PNP-City Police, PNP-Maritime, Phil. Coastguard, barangay officials and concerned NGOs.

Moreover, close coordination with the different local and national government concerned agencies on the fishery sector development to optimize extension and regulatory services particularly on the enforcement of the City Fisheries Ordinance No. 2002-89 and other existing local and national fishery laws, rules and regulations. Also assisted in the rescue of endangered/banned fishery products cited on the CITES and other aquatic wildlife caught in the municipal waters of the city.

AGRIBUSINESS

The Agribusiness Division undertakes the investment, promotion and marketing and the agribusiness information components. This connects the farmers investors and producers to individual buyers and other buying institutions, thus facilitating