The city government has allocated PHP15 million for a 2026 incentive program that will give qualified farmers an additional PHP8 per kilogram of palay (unhusked rice) purchased by the National Food Authority (NFA).

Mayor Khymer Olaso and NFA-9 (Zamboanga Peninsula) Manager Oliver Cambas formalized the partnership by signing a memorandum of agreement at the capitol on Friday under the Palay Marketing Assistance Program for Legislators and Local Government Units.

Olaso said the city government will directly pay qualified farmers based on data from NFA-9, according to a news release.

“The NFA will submit a list of farmers who sold their palay to the agency to determine eligibility and facilitate payment,” Olaso said.

Olaso also requested NFA-9 to issue a certificate recognizing Zamboanga City’s PHP8-per-kilogram premium as the highest nationwide.

The NFA buys fresh and wet palay from farmers at PHP17 to PHP23 per kilogram.

The selling price of palay will now range from PHP25 to PHP31, including the city government’s additional PHP8.

Tthe city government also plans to raise the premium to PHP10 per kilogram in 2027 to provide additional financial support to local farmers. (PNA)