THE Zamboanga City Government turned over on Monday, March 17, 2025, a total of 127 units of water pumps worth over P4.3 million to 98 farmer associations in the city.
Mayor John Dalipe led the turnover of the farm equipment after Monday's flag ceremony in front of City Hall.
Dalipe said the distribution of farm equipment is in line with the City Government's unwavering commitment to the agriculture sector in a bid to improve food production and ultimately sustain food security.
Distributed were 61 units of 4x4-inch inlet and outlet water pumps, each valued at P45,000, provided to identified rice farmer associations.
Also distributed were 66 units of 2x2-inch inlet and outlet water pumps, costing P25,000 each, were allocated to corn and vegetable grower-associations.
Dalipe said the distribution of the farm equipment benefited 34 rice farmer associations and 64 corn and vegetable grower associations.
"These beneficiaries were validated by Agriculture district offices, respective district offices, ensuring they had access to water sources requiring irrigation equipment," he said.
City Agriculturist Arben Magdugo said the number of water pumps allocated to each association was determined based on necessity and assessment results.
Magdugo emphasized the latest distribution of farm equipment will directly address the irrigation concerns of the local farmers.
He said previous farm input distributions focused on land preparation. (SunStar Zamboanga)