Zamboanga City:The city government has committed PHP15 million towards a 2026 incentive program aimed at supporting local farmers. This initiative will provide qualified farmers an additional PHP8 per kilogram of palay, or unhusked rice, purchased by the National Food Authority (NFA).

According to Philippines News agency, Mayor Khymer Olaso and NFA-9 (Zamboanga Peninsula) Manager Oliver Cambas have formalized this collaboration by signing a memorandum of agreement under the Palay Marketing Assistance Program for Legislators and Local Government Units. Mayor Olaso stated that the city government will directly compensate qualified farmers, using data provided by NFA-9.

The NFA is tasked with submitting a list of farmers who have sold their palay to the agency, which will be used to determine their eligibility for the program and facilitate payment. Mayor Olaso has also requested that NFA-9 issue a certificate recognizing Zamboanga City's PHP8-per-kilogram premium as the highest in the nation.

Currently, the NFA purchases fresh and wet palay from farmers at a rate of PHP17 to PHP23 per kilogram. With the city's additional premium, the selling price of palay will now range from PHP25 to PHP31. Looking ahead, the city government plans to increase the premium to PHP10 per kilogram in 2027, further enhancing financial support for local farmers.