For many small farmers in the Zamboanga Peninsula, keeping their bananas, corn, and vegetables healthy is a daily challenge. With vast fields to care for and limited tools, spraying pesticides or foliar fertilizers often takes long, exhausting hours under the sun.
To help ease this burden, the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program Phase 2 distributed 135 knapsack sprayers and 12 power sprayers to various farmer associations (FAs) across the region last July 22-23, 2025.
Of the 135 knapsack sprayers, 69 units worth Php 327,750, were funded under the CY 2025 regular fund. In Zamboanga del Sur, the Sapang Pinoles FA of Lakewood received nine (9) units, while the Eastern Poblacion FA of Sominot received 10. In Zamboanga Sibugay, the Israel FA of Imelda was also granted 10 units.
Meanwhile, in Zamboanga del Norte, the Bagacay FA of Sibutad received the largest share with 30 units, followed by the Libay Farfish Association of Rizal with 10 units.
The remaining 66 knapsack sprayers, procured from savings worth Php 277,200, were distributed to other farmer groups. In Zamboanga Sibugay, the Kasigpitan FA of Talusan received 25 units. In Zamboanga del Sur, the Rural Improvement Club (RIC) of Sominot, the Makulip FA of Tigbao, and the Makugihong Organic Farming Association of San Pablo each received 7 units, while the Lumponid Gardeners Association of Midsalip received 8. In Zamboanga del Norte, the Sebukang FA of Josefina received 5 units, and the South Mapang FA of Rizal received 7.
Alongside the knapsack sprayers, 12 power sprayers worth Php 297,600 were turned over to eight farmer associations. The Israel FA of Imelda, the Rural Improvement Club (RIC) of Sominot, and the Tungawan FA of Sominot each received two units. The Lumponid Gardeners Association of Midsalip, the Nilo FA of Tigbao, the Makulip FA of Tigbao, and the Lumbal and Linoguayan FAs of Vincenzo Sagun each received one unit.
With the new equipment, spraying for pest control or fertilization in banana, corn, and vegetable production — all part of the SAAD livelihood projects distributed to farmers — becomes faster, safer, and more efficient. Farmers can now cover more ground in less time, reduce labor costs, and better protect their crops from diseases that could threaten their harvest.
Ms. Lorencia R. Ellunado, president of the Eastern Poblacion FA in Sominot, Zamboanga del Sur, shared how the equipment will change their work routine.
“Sa una, usa ka adlaw jud namo ma-human ang tibuok sagingan kung mag-spray mi. Karun, tungod ani nga sprayer, makaya ra namo sa pipila ka oras. Dali na, limpyo pa ang trabaho,” she said with a smile, demonstrating the new knapsack sprayer in her banana plantation.
(Before, it would take us a whole day to finish spraying the entire banana plantation. Now, because of this sprayer, we can do it in just a few hours. It’s faster, and the work is cleaner.)
Through this intervention, DA-SAAD Phase 2 continues its mission to uplift rural communities. By providing practical tools that ease farmers’ workloads, the program strengthens productivity, increases income, and supports the long-term sustainability of local agriculture. ###
