On August 22, 2025, the Department of Agriculture (DA) formally handed over agricultural machinery and support valued at P27.8 million to the City Government of Isabela in Basilan province, various farmers’ cooperatives, and educational institutions. The initiative aims to fortify the local agricultural sector and improve farmers’ earnings.

Key allocations include P2.7 million dedicated to the Cattle Multiplier Farm Project managed by the United Workers Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multi-Purpose Cooperative (UWARBMPC) and an additional P2.5 million granted to the Magic Agriculture Cooperative. The city government received a P2.97 million Solar-Powered Greenhouse equipped with a Hydroponics System, alongside a P1.59 million four-wheel-drive tractor funded under the High-Value Crops Development Program. Notably, P15 million was earmarked for the expansion of cold storage facilities.

Supporting education, five local schools—Latuan Elementary School, Calvario Peak Elementary, Malamawi National High School, Maligue Elementary School, and Ismael Integrated School—were supplied with gardening tools, vermicast, and calamansi seedlings to encourage agricultural skills among students.

DA-Zamboanga Peninsula allocated P417,540 for hybrid rice seeds and fertilizers to benefit local farmers. Additional resources, including corn seeds, cassava strippers, dryers, assorted garden tools, vegetable seeds, and other equipment, were distributed to farmer groups such as the Baluno Farmers Association, Samahang Makakalikasan (Samaka), and the IDCAF Farm School located in Baluno village.

Basilan Representative Yusop Alano, who attended the turnover event, highlighted the critical role of modern farming techniques in boosting production and increasing farmers’ income. The distribution was conducted in collaboration with the City Government of Isabela under Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman’s leadership.