Office of the City Agriculturist, Zamboanga City

𝗭𝗔𝗠𝗕𝗢𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗔 𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗛𝗢𝗡𝗢𝗥𝗦 𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗣𝗔 𝗜𝗦𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗙𝗜𝗦𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗙𝗢𝗟𝗞 𝗔𝗦 "𝗙𝗢𝗢𝗗 𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗢𝗘𝗦" 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗦𝗨𝗣𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧 𝗖𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗩𝗔𝗡|

“We are not just celebrating their existence but also recognizing their heroic deeds as food heroes.”

This statement anchored the Farmers and Fisherfolk Month celebration on May 26, 2026, as the Office of the City Agriculturist (OCA) mobilized a multi-agency team to Manalipa Island to deliver essential regulatory, livelihood, and enforcement services to local coastal workers.

The outreach was designed to honor fisheries workers for their indispensable contribution to securing both local and national food security.

Led by the OCA’s Fisheries and Regulatory Services Division and Agricultural Field Office (AFO) IV, the team rolled out a comprehensive package of interventions. The field operations were directed by Ms. Marinneth B. Galleron (Head of the Fisheries Licensing Section), Mr. Ramil G. Delos Reyes (Head of the Fisheries Regulatory Section), and Mr. Aldrin C. Artieda from AFO IV.

Key activities conducted during the island caravan included the distribution of original copies of municipal fishing boat licenses, or Permits to Operate, alongside an educational orientation on registering both motorized and non-motorized bancas, seminars reminding residents of the strict prohibitions against illegal fishing activities within the municipal waters of Zamboanga City, turnover of high-quality vegetable seeds and specialized fishing gears including hook and lines, tuna handlines, and squid jiggers and official creation and formalization of the Manalipa Panganak Magpipissi Association.

The success of the activity relied on strong inter-agency collaboration. Joining the OCA team on the island were representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and local community leaders.

The partner agencies, local leadership and Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) were represented by Mr. Jaber Awang, Pat Aljineer Jining, Barangay Kagawad Hon. Imrani Y. Jimlani and Ms. Halima Hamja.

The vital fishing gear distributed during the activity was provided through the unwavering support of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) IX.

The entire operation was heavily backed by City Agriculturist Mr. Arben E. Magdugo, Fisheries Division Head Dr. Godofredo T. Oliveria, and AFO-IV Manicahan Field Officer Mr. Roel U. Cambonga. Local organizers also credited the smooth ex*****on of the caravan to the resolute leadership of Mr. Sajid Mistul, a prominent local fisherfolk leader who helped mobilize the island's beneficiaries.

PLEASE DO FOLLOW, LIKE & SHARE

(Photo by Aldrin Artieda/Harvy Francisco)

𝗞𝗔𝗗𝗜𝗪𝗔 𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗞𝗘𝗧 𝗕𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗦 𝗔𝗙𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗗𝗔𝗕𝗟𝗘 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗗𝗨𝗖𝗘 𝗧𝗢 𝗪𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗖𝗢𝗠 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝟭𝟮𝟴𝗧𝗛 𝗣𝗛𝗜𝗟𝗜𝗣𝗣𝗜𝗡𝗘 𝗡𝗔𝗩𝗬 𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗔𝗥𝗬|

Bringing fresh, budget-friendly agricultural products directly to military personnel and their families, the Kadiwa Market was successfully staged at WestMinCom, Upper Calarian on May 25, 2026.

The activity was held as a key feature of the Western Mindanao Command (WMNC) Integrated Personnel Support Fair, in line with the grand celebration of the 128th Philippine Navy Anniversary.

The Kadiwa initiative was jointly spearheaded by the staff of the Department of Agriculture - Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (DA-AMAD) and the Office of the City Agriculturist (OCA) Agribusiness Division.

Ensuring the smooth conduct of the market operations was a dedicated team from the OCA Agribusiness Division, including Mr. Al-Mikdar Dapii, Mr. Daniel Melocotones, Mr. Antoni Agbayani and Mr. Al-Jemier Sulaiman.

The specialized Kadiwa booth showcased an impressive array of fresh vegetables, fruits, and diverse agricultural goods. By sourcing directly from local farmers and producers, the market eliminated middleman costs, allowing the items to be sold at affordable prices.

Beyond providing immediate financial relief, the initiative successfully promoted healthy dietary habits among the troops while simultaneously opening vital market channels for local agricultural workers.

The wider Integrated Personnel Support Fair served as a comprehensive welfare hub for the WestMinCom community. Multiple booths and service centers were established across the venue, offering discounted commercial goods, locally made livelihood products, and crucial government-related services.

In addition to shopping opportunities, military personnel and their dependents availed themselves of free health and wellness programs, medical consultations, and organizational support initiatives aimed at boosting overall well-being and strengthening solidarity within the armed forces.

PLEASE DO FOLLOW, LIKE & SHARE

(Photo by Antoni Agbayani)

𝗙𝗔𝗥𝗠𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗙𝗜𝗦𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗙𝗢𝗟𝗞 𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗩𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗢 𝗖𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗩𝗔𝗡 𝗗𝗘𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗔𝗟 𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗩𝗜𝗖𝗘𝗦|

Hundreds of rural residents benefited from a comprehensive delivery of government aid during the Farmers and Fisherfolk Servicio Caravan held on May 21, 2026, at Sitio Cuatro Ojos, Barangay Vitali.

The initiative was led by the Office of the City Agriculturist (OCA) under City Agriculturist Mr. Arben Magdugo, and organized through the OCA Information Section headed by Mathelyn Gatilogo. The massive outreach was made possible through close coordination with the Vitali Field Office, led by Mr. Teodorico Mella, and the Barangay Council of Vitali, headed by Chairman Regalado Marquez.

The caravan received full backing from the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Zamboanga City, led by City Mayor Khymer Adan T. Olaso, together with Councilor Joselito Macrohon, Committee Chairman on Agriculture & Fisheries. Their presence emphasized the administration's commitment to bringing vital frontline services directly to rural agricultural and fishing communities.

Acting as a one-stop shop, multiple local, national, and non-government agencies mobilized to a single location to provide specialized assistance:

Office of the City Agriculturist: Distributed Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials, high-quality vegetable seeds, and fruit tree seedlings to bolster local food production.

Office of the City Veterinarian: Extended critical veterinary services to 25 local livestock and pet owners.

City Health Office: Conducted medical check-ups and basic health services for 50 clients.

Office of the City Councilor (Hon. Hanna M. Nuño, District 2): Provided free circumcision (libreng tuli) services for community youth.

City Social Welfare & Development Office (CSWDO): Provided social welfare assistance and consultations to 20 clients and distributed 200 food packs to local families.

Office of the City Environment & Natural Resources (OCENR): Distributed assorted seedlings to 33 clients to promote reforestation and sustainable backyard farming.

City Disaster Risk and Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO): Conducted emergency response training on Basic Life Support (BLS) for 25 participants.

Public Employment Service Office (PESO): Provided pre-employment financial aid orientations to 15 clients.

Social Security System (SSS): Handled social insurance membership inquiries and services for 14 clients.

Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA): Provided technical skills training orientations to 20 individuals.

JCI Zamboanga Isla Rosa: Spearheaded a community feeding activity, serving hot arroz caldo to 150 individuals.

The Servicio Caravan is part of Zamboanga City’s broader socioeconomic strategy to bridge the geographical gap between the local government and remote barangays. By consolidating health, social, technical, and agricultural services, the LGU ensures that hardworking farmers and fisherfolk in the outermost districts have the direct support they need to thrive.

PLEASE DO FOLLOW, LIKE & SHARE

(Photo by Arceli Mia)

𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗜𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗢𝗡 𝗕𝗨𝗦𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗦 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗞𝗘𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗚𝗜𝗘𝗦|

To equip local coastal entrepreneurs with critical retail knowledge and market competitiveness, the Office of the City Agriculturist (OCA) through the Agricultural Field Office 1 (Tumaga District), in coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), held a specialized business training session in Barangay Arena Blanco on May 21, 2026.

The session, titled Training on Marketing Strategy, Sales Strategy, and Customers' Rights, focused heavily on empowering 22 participants from the ASSALAM Fisherfolk Association, a local group actively engaged in the city’s thriving seaweed farming industry.

The collaborative seminar was spearheaded by AFO 1 and Fisheries Coordinators Ms. Mary Ann B. Casuyon and Mr. Wilfrido Piedad, together with the DTI expert lecturers Ms. Sheryl Balambao and Mr. Ken Martinez.

Rather than focusing solely on traditional cultivation, the training curriculum aimed to transition raw agricultural producers into savvy entrepreneurs by unpacking eight core business pillars reaching a broader audience for local goods, securing buyer reliability and credibility in market trades, pinpointing potential commercial buyers and distribution networks, highlighting the unique quality of Arena Blanco’s seaweed products, turning market inquiries into guaranteed revenue, maximizing the profitability of every commercial transaction, securing long-term loyalty and contract extensions with buyers and optimizing logistical efficiency from farm harvesting to point of sale.

Beyond aggressive sales tactics, the DTI representatives placed a special emphasis on Customers' Rights. This segment provided the seaweed farmers with a grounded understanding of consumer laws and ethical trade practices, ensuring their association operates at high professional and regulatory standards as they scale their business operations.

PLEASE DO FOLLOW, LIKE & SHARE

(Photo by Mary Ann Casuyon)

𝗚𝗨𝗜𝗦𝗔𝗢 𝗥𝗜𝗖 𝗦𝗘𝗖𝗨𝗥𝗘𝗦 𝗗𝗦𝗪𝗗-𝗦𝗟𝗣 𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗧 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗩𝗘𝗚𝗘𝗧𝗔𝗕𝗟𝗘 𝗖𝗛𝗜𝗣𝗦 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗗𝗨𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡|

Driving rural enterprise and economic empowerment for women, the Guisao Rural Improvement Club (RIC) Association has officially become the second RIC group in the city to benefit from the Department of Social Welfare and Development's (DSWD) Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP).

The association formally received a livelihood grant amounting to ₱600,000.00 during a turnover ceremony at the DSWD Office on May 18, 2026.

The ₱600,000.00 funding is earmarked for the association's value-adding enterprise: assorted vegetable chips production. The project is designed to strengthen the organization's income-generating capabilities by processing and marketing locally sourced agricultural goods.

Among the initial lineup of healthy snack products slated for production are talong (eggplant) chips, potato chips, tumon chips, banana chips, peanut chips and peanut butter.

By converting raw harvests into competitive retail products, the initiative aims to establish a reliable, sustainable income source for the rural women of Barangay Guisao.

Association President Mrs. Diana Ong, together with the group's treasurer, personally accepted the livelihood check.

Following the turnover, Mrs. Ong paid a courtesy visit to City Agriculturist Mr. Arben Magdugo to extend her appreciation for the local government's guidance. During the meeting, she reaffirmed the association's commitment to managing the funds responsibly and executing their long-term production plans.

While the capital injection comes directly from the DSWD-SLP, the Office of the City Agriculturist will continue to play a pivotal role in the enterprise. The office is slated to provide ongoing technical assistance, capacity building, and sustainability monitoring to ensure the commercial growth and operational longevity of the project.

PLEASE DO FOLLOW, LIKE & SHARE

(Photo by Engr. Rufel Wahing)

𝗗𝗦𝗪𝗗 𝗛𝗢𝗟𝗗𝗦 𝗦𝗨𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗕𝗜𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗜𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗝𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗟𝗔𝗪𝗔 𝗔𝗧 𝗕𝗜𝗡𝗛𝗜 𝗕𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗦|

Moving into its second year of empowering local communities, the Office of the City Agriculturist (OCA) in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development's (DSWD) Project LAWA at BINHI marked another milestone with a comprehensive Sustainability Training held at the Communal Garden, Sitio Pat, Barangay Sibulao on May 19, 2026.

The initiative, which continues to be actively maintained by local club members, aims to secure the long-term productivity and independence of its participants.

The activity commenced with opening remarks from Barangay Kagawad Hon. Edwin G. Angeles, followed by an inspirational message from Mr. Teodorico P. Mella, Officer-in-Charge of the Vitali Agricultural Field Office (AFO).

Key representatives driving the program’s field implementation were in attendance, including Ms. Berkisa T. Jain and Ms. Cherry Illagan from the PLaB staff, Rural Improvement Club (RIC) Coordinator Ms. Graciella San Juan, Special Program Coordinator Ms. Samira T. Kalam, and Agbus Coordinator Jonie A. Manalo Jr.

To lay down the foundational mechanics of the training, Ms. Mary Ann Flores from the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) detailed the program flow, while Ms. Cherry Ilagan facilitated the core workshop sessions.

During the hands-on portions of the training, the beneficiaries from the Sibulao RIC actively participated by presenting their current agricultural production data. This exercise served to evaluate their project management knowledge and track actual output. Taking a step further toward long-term self-reliance, the beneficiaries formulated and presented their own Community Sustainability Plan.

Following the classroom-style training and workshop presentations, DSWD and local agricultural personnel proceeded to the project site. The team conducted a thorough monitoring and evaluation of the Project LAWA at BINHI communal area to assess the physical progress of the crops and validate the sustainability strategies discussed during the session.

PLEASE DO FOLLOW, LIKE & SHARE

(Photo by Graciella San Juan)

𝙃𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙮 𝙗𝙞𝙧𝙩𝙝𝙙𝙖𝙮, 𝙨𝙞𝙧 Mark Anthony Francisco! 🥳

Wishing you endless blessings, good health, and happiness.

𝙃𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙖 𝙜𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝙙𝙖𝙮.

📢 𝗪𝗘 𝗔𝗥𝗘 𝗛𝗜𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚!📢

The Office of the City Agriculturist - Zamboanga City is looking for qualified and dedicated professionals to join our team under the Devolution Transition Plan (DTP) - Job Order program.

Take the next step in your career and help us support our local farming and fishing communities! Check out our open positions below:

📋 𝗟𝗜𝗦𝗧 𝗢𝗙 𝗩𝗔𝗖𝗔𝗡𝗧 𝗣𝗢𝗦𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦

1. 𝗘𝗡𝗚𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗘𝗥 𝗜 (𝗔𝗴𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗿)
Vacancy: 1 Slot
Salary Grade: 12
Monthly Salary: ₱29,165.00

2. 𝗔𝗚𝗥𝗜𝗖𝗨𝗟𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗔𝗟 𝗧𝗘𝗖𝗛𝗡𝗢𝗟𝗢𝗚𝗜𝗦𝗧
Vacancy: 1 Slot
Salary Grade: 10
Monthly Salary: ₱23,176.00

📝 𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗟𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗥𝗘𝗤𝗨𝗜𝗥𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗦 & 𝗥𝗘𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗦
If you meet the qualifications and are ready to apply, please take note of the following important details:

✉️ Address your application letter to:
HON. KHYMER ADAN T. OLASO, M.M.
City Mayor, Zamboanga City

🪪 Attachment: Ensure a photocopy of your PRC License is attached to your application form.

📥 How to Submit: You can submit your documents in two ways:
Hard Copy: Bring it directly to the Office of the City Agriculturist Main Office.
Thru Email: Send it to 📧 [email protected]

⏰ DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION
📅 On or before June 15, 2026

Don't miss the chance to be part of our dynamic team. Apply now and share this post with your friends and colleagues who might be a perfect fit!

Serving with passion for a sustainable and food-secure Zamboanga City! 🌾🐟

𝗭𝗔𝗠𝗕𝗢𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗔 𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗧𝗛 𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗗 𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝟰-𝗛 𝗖𝗟𝗨𝗕 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗖𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗕𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦|

Young leaders from across Zamboanga City showcased their dedication to service and leadership during the week-long celebration of National 4-H Club Week 2026 held from May 10–17, 2026. Spearheaded by the Office of the City Agriculturist alongside the city's six district 4-H Club Federations, the event highlighted the youth's active participation in environmental, educational, and community initiatives.

The celebration featured a diverse array of activities conducted simultaneously across the city's districts:

Culianan District (May 10): Kickstarted the week in Barangay Salaan with a fruit-bearing tree planting activity and a riverbank clean-up drive focused on environmental preservation.

Citywide Awareness (May 11): Personnel from six agricultural field offices and district officers marked the celebration by hanging 4-H Club tarpaulins citywide to promote the organization's mission.

Tumaga District (May 13): Conducted a comprehensive environmental and educational event at MASEPLA. In partnership with the Philippine Navy, WMSU, and local associations, activities included mangrove growing, coastal clean-ups, and seminars on climate change and sanitation.

Vitali and Curuan Districts (May 14): Vitali youth led an irrigation canal clean-up in Sitio Tamion to support local agricultural productivity, while Curuan members conducted a river clean-up in Masaba, Quiniput.

Manicahan District (May 15): Organized a coastal clean-up drive at Bolong Beach to strengthen environmental awareness among local residents.

On May 15, the Zamboanga City 4-H Club Federation held a meaningful outreach activity at Tolosa Elementary School. Youth leaders engaged approximately 50 pupils through storytelling, interactive games, and a feeding program.

The week culminated on May 17 in Ayala District, where an Information Caravan, booth displays, and a flower arrangement contest were held at the Ayala Covered Court. The finale served to highlight the continuing impact of the 4-H Club in empowering the city's youth to lead in agriculture and community development.

PLEASE DO FOLLOW, LIKE & SHARE

(Photo by Reewin Santander/Ivy Gay Viesca)

𝗟𝗢𝗖𝗔𝗟 𝗔𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗜𝗘𝗦 𝗜𝗡𝗦𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗣𝗔𝗦𝗘𝗢 𝗗𝗘𝗟 𝗠𝗔𝗥 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗜𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟 𝗥𝗘𝗘𝗙 𝗗𝗘𝗣𝗟𝗢𝗬𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧|

To ensure the protection of local marine life and the safety of maritime travel, the Office of the City Agriculturist (OCA), in coordination with the Office of the City Environment and Natural Resources (OCENR) and the Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology (ZSCMST), conducted a field inspection at Paseo del Mar on May 15, 2025.

The inspection focused on the proposed temporary deployment of Concrete Artificial Reefs (ARs). This activity is a critical step in the process for ZSCMST to secure a Certificate of No Objection, which is required before the structures can be placed in the water.

The primary goal of the joint team was to evaluate the site's suitability to prevent any potential destruction of the marine habitat. Additionally, officials worked to ensure that the deployment of these concrete structures would not create an obstruction of the navigational route frequently used by vessels near Paseo del Mar.

This evaluation stems from a formal request letter sent to the City Mayor, which was subsequently forwarded to the Office of the City Agriculturist for technical review.

The deployment at Paseo del Mar is intended to be temporary. Once the suitability of the reefs is confirmed and the temporary phase is complete, the units are slated for final deployment at Sta. Cruz Island to further bolster the region's coral restoration and fisheries management efforts.

PLEASE DO FOLLOW, LIKE & SHARE

(Photo by Ramil Delos Reyes)

𝙃𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙮 𝙗𝙞𝙧𝙩𝙝𝙙𝙖𝙮, 𝙢𝙖'𝙖𝙢 Anna Marie Condeno! 🥳

May today bring you endless smiles and unforgettable memories.

𝙃𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙖 𝙜𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝙙𝙖𝙮.