THE Philippine Rice Research Institute (Philrice) is setting up a P5.98-million satellite station here in Zamboanga City.

City Agriculturist Diosdado Palacat said the station will be constructed at the compound of the Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) at Sitio San Ramon in the village of Talisayan.

Palacat said the establishment of the Philrice satellite station is to ensure the availability of new varieties of palay for local farmers.

The construction of the project is expected to be completed in five months.

Philrice is an attached agency of the Department of Agriculture (DA) engaged in the development of high-yielding and cost-reducing technologies for farmers.

Palacat represented Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar during the laying of the time capsule ceremony on January 31.

The event was also attended by Philrice officials led by Acting Executive Director Sailila Abdullah, WMSU officials and faculty and staff of the College of Agriculture. (SunStar Philippines)