Zamboanga del Norte

Zamboanga del Norte, the largest province in the Zamboanga Peninsula region in terms of land area, occupies the northern part of the Zamboanga Peninsula in Mindanao. Its capital is Dipolog City. The province is characterized by its long coastline facing the Sulu Sea to the west and rolling hills and mountains in its interior. While Dipolog City and Dapitan City are significant urban centers, the province’s economy is primarily agricultural, with fishing also playing a crucial role. Zamboanga del Norte is known for its natural beauty, including pristine beaches, historical sites like Rizal’s exile place in Dapitan, and ecological attractions, which contribute to its tourism potential.

Agricultural Sector

Agriculture is the mainstay of Zamboanga del Norte’s economy. The province boasts vast agricultural lands, with coconut being the most significant crop, making it a major copra producer. Other important agricultural products include rice, corn, rubber, and various fruits. The Department of Agriculture and its regional offices are actively working to boost production and support farmers. For instance, in 2023, DA Region 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula) trained farmers from Zamboanga del Norte in organic agriculture, promoting sustainable farming practices. Challenges faced by the sector include susceptibility to natural calamities and the need for continuous modernization of farming techniques to enhance productivity and ensure food security.

Fisheries Sector

The fisheries sector in Zamboanga del Norte is vital, given its extensive coastline and rich marine resources. It is a significant contributor to the province’s economy and provides livelihoods for many coastal communities. The province is known for its fish production, including various species caught through municipal and commercial fishing. Aquaculture also plays a role, with fishponds contributing to the overall output. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) regularly provides support and implements programs aimed at sustainable fisheries management, combating illegal fishing, and providing livelihood assistance to fisherfolk to ensure the long-term productivity of the marine resources and the well-being of the fishing communities.

Poverty Situation

Zamboanga del Norte continues to face significant challenges regarding poverty. In 2021, it recorded a high poverty incidence among families at 36.9%, and among the population at 47.2%. While the 2023 full-year poverty data for Zamboanga del Norte specifically was not immediately available, the region (Zamboanga Peninsula) saw a decrease in poverty incidence among families from 26.0% in 2021 to 20.3% in 2023. However, given its consistently high past figures, Zamboanga del Norte remains one of the provinces in the region with a substantial number of poor individuals. The challenges are often linked to limited access to resources, susceptibility to natural disasters, and the need for more diversified economic opportunities beyond its primary agricultural and fishing sectors.

Project Profile

DA

The DA (Department of Agriculture) SAAD (Special Area for Agricultural Development) program is actively implemented in Zamboanga del Norte, particularly targeting its disadvantaged communities. The program focuses on providing livelihood interventions to marginalized farmers and aims to increase food production and improve income. For instance, in 2023, DA SAAD Phase 2 in Region 9 provided livelihood projects to 14 farmer associations, distributing various agricultural inputs to enhance their farming activities. This includes seeds, farm tools, livestock, and technical training designed to empower beneficiaries to become more self-sufficient and contribute to food security. The program works closely with local government units to ensure effective implementation and sustainable benefits for the recipient communities.

Year CoveredMunicipalityBarangayProjectAssociationMembersInput Amount
2023GododPOBLACIONLayer Chicken Egg ProductionMakugihong Maguuma Sa Poblacion311,472,000.00
2023JOSE DALMAN (PONOT)TABONIntegrated Project on Cattle and Corn ProductionTabon Integrated Fa251,567,750.00
2023KalawitNew CalambaIntegrated Project on Upgraded Native/Free-range Chicken Raising Project and Yellow Corn ProductionNew Calamba Fa291,829,200.00
2023La LibertadLa VictoriaLayer Chicken Egg Production7m La Victoria Fa371,439,000.00
2023MutiaPaso RioVegetable ProductionBrgy. Paso Rio Fa301,842,000.00
2023RizalSipaonSweet Corn Production ProjectSipaon Fa301,676,000.00
2023SibutadMarapongIntegrated Project on Cattle and Rice ProductionMarapong Saad Fa361,633,500.00
2023SirawaiLubokIntegrated Project on Cattle and Rice ProductionCow Land Association251,558,500.00
2024GODODBUNAWANINTEGRATED ON FREE RANGE/UPGRADED NATIVE CHICKEN & CORN PRODUCTIONBunawan Fa252,283,000.00
2024GODODPOBLACIONSupport on Layer Chicken Egg ProductionMakugihong Mag-uuma Sa Poblacion31818,000.00
2024JOSE DALMAN (PONOT)DINASANIntegrated Project on Cattle and Corn ProductionDinasan Fa251,598,250.00
2024JOSE DALMAN (PONOT)TABONSupport to Integrated Project on Cattle and Corn ProductionTabon Integrated Fa25590,750.00
2024KALAWITNEW CALAMBASupport for Integrated Project on Upgraded Native/ Free-range Chicken RaisingNew Calamba Fa29603,200.00
2024KALAWITPOBLACIONLayer Chicken Egg ProductionSan Roque Kalipi Association251,554,000.00
2024LA LIBERTADLA VICTORIASupport on Layer Chicken Egg Production7m La Victoria Fa27832,000.00
2024LA LIBERTADNEW CARCARCattle Production ProjectNew Carcar Fa251,010,500.00
2024MUTIAPaso RioSupport for Vegetable Production ProjectBarangay Pasorio Fa30869,000.00
2024MUTIATINGLANLayer Chicken Egg ProductionTinglan Fa251,534,000.00
2024RIZALSIPAON(Support to Sweet Corn ProductionSipaon Fa30314,500.00
2024RIZALSOUTH MAPANGVegetable Production ProjectSouth Mapang Vegetable Growers Association251,226,000.00
2024SIBUTADBAGACAYCattle and Carabao Production ProjectBagacay Saad Fa251,218,500.00
2024SIBUTADMARAPONGSupport Corn Production ProjectMarapong Saad Fa36770,000.00
2024SIRAWAILUBOKSupport for Cattle Production ProjectCowland Association25624,500.00
2025GODODBUNAWANSUPPORT TO INTEGRATED ON FREE RANGE/UPGRADED NATIVE CHICKEN & CORN PRODUCTIONBunawan Farmers Association251,589,800.00
2025GODODPOBLACIONSUPPORT ON LAYER CHICKEN EGG PRODUCTIONMakugihong Mag-uuma Sa Poblacion26314,300.00
2025GODODRAMBONINTEGRATED PROJECT ON GOAT & CORN PRODUCTIONRambon Farmers Association25968,500.00
2025JOSE DALMAN (PONOT)DINASANSUPPORT TO INTEGRATED PROJECT ON CATTLE AND CORN PRODUCTIONDinasan Farmers Association251,214,000.00
2025JOSE DALMAN (PONOT)LITALIPLAYER CHICKEN EGG PRODUCTIONLitalip Farmers Association25822,800.00
2025JOSE DALMAN (PONOT)TABONSUPPORT TO INTEGRATED PROJECT ON CATTLE AND CORN PRODUCTIONTabon Integrated Farmers Association251,143,200.00
2025KALAWITNEW CALAMBAINTEGRATED PROJECT ON UPGRADED NATIVE /FREE RANGED CHICKENNew Calamba Farmers Association29349,000.00
2025KALAWITPALALIANINTEGRATED VEGETABLE AND GOATPalalian Uplnaf Farmers Association251,102,400.00
2025KALAWITPOBLACIONLAYER CHICKEN EGG PRODUCTIONSan Roque Kalipi Associations25779,800.00
2025LA LIBERTADLA VICTORIALAYER CHICKEN EGG PRODUCTION PROJECT7m La Victoria Farmer's Association26237,100.00
2025LA LIBERTADNEW CARCARCATTLE PRODUCTION PROJECTNew Carcar Farmer's Association25560,000.00
2025LA LIBERTADSAN JOSEINTEGRATED PROJECT ON CARABAO AND CORN PRODUCTIONSan Jose Farmer's Association25864,500.00
2025MUTIAPaso RioVEGETABLE PRODUCTION PROJECTBrgy.pasorio Farmer's Association25311,000.00
2025MUTIATINGLANLAYER CHICKEN EGG PRODUCTION PROJECTTinglan Farmer's Association25754,150.00
2025MUTIATotongonINTEGRATED PROJECT ON CARABAO AND CORN PRODUCTIONTotongon Farmer's Association251,009,600.00
2025RIZALNILABOINTEGRATED CATTLE RAISING AND CORN PRODUCTION PROJECTNilabo Farmers Association25956,400.00
2025RIZALSIPAONSUPPORT CORN PRODUCTION PROJECTSipaon Farmers Association25344,000.00
2025RIZALSOUTH MAPANGSUPPORT VEGETABLE PRODUCTION PROJECTSouth Mapang Vegetable Growers Association251,082,000.00
2025SIBUTADBAGACAYSUPPORT CORN PRODUCTION PROJECTBagacay Saad Farmers Association251,136,250.00
2025SIBUTADLIBAYINTEGRATED PROJECT ON CARABAO-BANANA- CORN PRODUCTIONLibay Farfish Association251,289,000.00
2025SIBUTADMARAPONGSUPPORT CORN PRODUCTION PROJECTMarapong Saad Farmers Association32751,500.00
2025SIRAWAILubokINTEGRATED CATTLE AND RICECowland Association25280,700.00
2026GODODBUNAWANSUPPORT TO INTEGRATED ON FREE RANGE/UPGRADED NATIVE CHICKEN & CORN PRODUCTIONBunawan Farmers Association25426,500.00
2026GODODPOBLACIONSUPPORT ON LAYER CHICKEN EGG PRODUCTIONMakugihong Mag-uuma Sa Poblacion26935,600.00
2026GODODRAMBONINTEGRATED PROJECT ON GOAT & CORN PRODUCTIONRambon Farmers Association251,009,250.00
2026JOSE DALMAN (PONOT)DINASANSUPPORT TO INTEGRATED PROJECT ON CATTLE AND CORN PRODUCTIONDinasan Farmers Association25729,450.00
2026JOSE DALMAN (PONOT)LITALIPSupport to Layer Chicken Egg ProductionLitalip Farmers Association25952,650.00
2026JOSE DALMAN (PONOT)TABONSUPPORT TO INTEGRATED PROJECT ON CATTLE AND CORN PRODUCTIONTabon Integrated Farmers Association25592,050.00
2026KALAWITNEW CALAMBAINTEGRATED PROJECT ON UPGRADED NATIVE /FREE RANGED CHICKENNew Calamba Farmers Association29802,090.00
2026KALAWITPALALIANINTEGRATED VEGETABLE AND GOATPalalian Upland Farmers Association261,125,550.00
2026KALAWITPOBLACIONSupport for Layer Chicken Egg ProductionSan Roque Kalipi Associations25958,600.00
2026LA LIBERTADLA VICTORIASupport to Layer Chicken Egg Production project7m La Victoria Farmer's Association271,069,100.00
2026LA LIBERTADNEW CARCARIntegrated project on Cattle and Corn ProjectNew Carcar Farmer's Association25263,850.00
2026LA LIBERTADSAN JOSEINTEGRATED PROJECT ON CARABAO AND CORN PRODUCTIONSan Jose Farmer's Association251,332,150.00
2026MUTIAPaso RioVEGETABLE PRODUCTION PROJECTBrgy.pasorio Farmer's Association25226,800.00
2026MUTIATINGLANSupport to Layer Chicken Egg Production ProjectTinglan Farmer's Association251,396,650.00
2026MUTIATotongonINTEGRATED PROJECT ON CARABAO AND CORN PRODUCTIONTotongon Farmer's Association25888,250.00
2026RIZALNILABOINTEGRATED CATTLE RAISING AND CORN PRODUCTION PROJECTNilabo Farmers Association251,106,075.00
2026RIZALSIPAONIntegrated Project on Corn Production and Layer Chicken Egg ProductionSipaon Farmers Association251,039,625.00
2026RIZALSOUTH MAPANGSUPPORT VEGETABLE PRODUCTION PROJECTSouth Mapang Vegetable Growers Association25255,000.00
2026SIBUTADBAGACAYSUPPORT CORN PRODUCTION PROJECTBagacay Saad Farmers Association25624,515.00
2026SIBUTADLIBAYINTEGRATED PROJECT ON CARABAO-BANANA- CORN PRODUCTIONLibay Farfish Association25851,285.00
2026SIBUTADMARAPONGSupport to Integrated Project on Cattle and Corn ProductionMarapong Saad Farmers Association30920,360.00
2026SIRAWAILubokSupport to Cattle Production ProjecCowland Association25152,600.00

BFAR

The BFAR (Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources) SAAD (Special Area for Agricultural Development) Project is actively supporting fisherfolk communities in Zamboanga del Norte. BFAR SAAD has been instrumental in providing various forms of assistance to uplift the lives of marginalized fishers. Projects include the provision of fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) boats with complete accessories, as seen in Sibutad, Zamboanga del Norte, where 50 units were distributed to registered fisherfolk in 2023. Additionally, BFAR SAAD provides aquaculture livelihood packages, which may include fingerlings, feeds, and materials for fish cages or ponds. The program also focuses on capacity building, offering training on sustainable fishing practices and enterprise development to help beneficiaries establish and manage their own community-based fishery enterprises, thus enhancing food security and improving their socio-economic status.

Year CoveredMunicipalityBarangayProjectAssociationMembersInput Amount
2023LA LIBERTADMauswagonTilapia Culture using Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS)Mauswagon Farmers And Fisherfolk Association261,626,244.00
2023MUTIAPoblacionTilapia Culture in PondMutia Farfish Association45999,100.00
2023RIZALBalubohanFishing Gear (Stationary Lift Net) with Motorized Boat (30 footer)Rizal Subanen Fishermen Association (rsfa)50898,900.00
2023SIBUTADSinipayFishing Gear (Drift Gillnet) with Motorized Boat (30 footer)Sinipay Farfish Associaton40744,332.00
2024LA LIBERTADMauswagonTilapia Culture using Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS)Mauswagon Farmers And Fisherfolk Association20541,800.00
2024MUTIAPoblacionTilapia Culture in PondMutia Farfish Association551,903,120.00
2024RIZALBalubohanMilkfish Culture in Bamboo Cage (10m x 10m x 4m)Rizal Subanen Fishermen Association (rsfa)501,955,622.00
2024SIBUTADSinipayMilkfish Culture in Bamboo Cage (10m x 10m x 4m)Sinipay Farfish Associaton402,032,927.00
2025LA LIBERTADMauswagonPost-Harvest Shared Station Facility with Equipment/MaterialsMauswagon Farmers And Fisherfolk Association161,447,291.00
2025MUTIAPoblacionPost-Harvest Shared Station Facility with Equipment/MaterialsMutia Farfish Association551,501,291.00
2025MUTIAPoblacionVillage-Type Hatchery in Support to Tilapia Culture in PondMutia Farfish Association551,280,000.00
2025RIZALMabunaoPost-Harvest Shared Station Facility with Equipment/MaterialsRizal Subanen Fishermen Association401,432,291.00
2025SIBUTADSinipayPost-Harvest Shared Station Facility with Equipment/MaterialsSinipay Farfish Associaton401,314,291.00