GUIPOS, ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR - The National Irrigation Administration - Zamboanga del Sur Irrigation Management Office (NIA-ZDSIMO), in partnership with the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech), presented a land donation proposal during the Sangguniang Bayan (SB) session held on July 21, 2025, at the Guipos Municipal Hall.
The proposed donation aims to establish a Rice Processing System (RPS) to benefit Irrigators' Associations (IAs) across six municipalities. The session was presided over by Vice Mayor Merlyn U. Rabe and attended by SB members, along with NIA-ZDSIMO representatives, including Supervising Institutional Development Officer (IDO) Ann N. Maligro, Operations Head Engr. Rex Armentia, and other agency staff. Hon. Romeo P. Famor expressed his support for the project, recognizing its potential to improve postharvest efficiency and strengthen agricultural productivity in the region.
The RPS is envisioned to cover the municipalities of Dumalinao, Guipos, San Pablo, Tabina, Lapuyan, and Vincenzo Sagun. NIA is requesting at least half a hectare; ideally three to four hectares of land to meet PhilMech's site standards for infrastructure that includes mechanical dryers and other modern postharvest facilities. The session concluded with a mutual understanding among the parties and openness to land donation for the establishment of the Rice Processing System (RPS).