PAYAO ESTABLISHES AGRI-FISHERY BOARD - A FIRST IN ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY
IPIL, ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY - In a landmark move aimed at uplifting the livelihood of farmers and fisherfolk, the Municipality of Payao has created the first Agri-Fishery Board in Zamboanga Sibugay through Municipal Ordinance No. 006-2025, entitled “An Ordinance Creating the Agri-Fishery Board in the Municipality of Payao, Zamboanga Sibugay.”
According to Vice Mayor Joeper Mendoza, the municipal government recognizes its obligation to protect the welfare of its agricultural and fisheries sectors. They are the sectors that form the backbone of Payao’s local economy.
Mendoza emphasized the need to establish standard farm-gate and fish catch prices to ensure that producers earn fair income. He pointed out that many buyers currently purchase livestock, particularly pork, at only ₱120 per kilo, a rate significantly lower than the prevailing market price. Despite these low buying prices, he noted that market prices remain unchanged, putting farmers at a disadvantage.
“There has to be a special body that will look into these concerns,” Mendoza said. “When buyers come to our farmers, they must purchase livestock and produce at fair, standardized prices. This is essential so that farmers can earn decent and stable income for their families.”
ADVERTISEMENT
He added that ensuring fair pricing could help discourage the outmigration of Payao’s youth who leave for the cities in search of better opportunities. Mendoza hopes that with a stronger local agriculture sector, graduates would feel confident returning home, knowing that farming or fishing can provide a sustainable livelihood.
Mendoza described the newly established Agri-Fishery Board as the first of its kind in Zamboanga Sibugay, expressing hope that other municipalities and eventually the regional offices will adopt similar measures to protect producers and stabilize local markets.
The ordinance, authored by SB Member Editha T. Indino, establishes the Local Agriculture and Fishery Board (LAFB) as a policy-making, advisory, and coordinating body responsible for agricultural and fisheries development within the municipality. Under the ordinance, the Municipal Mayor serves as the Board’s Chairperson, highlighting the importance of executive leadership in advancing community-based economic initiatives.
Municipal Ordinance No. 006-2025 was passed on October 6, 2025, and was subsequently approved and signed by Mayor Joshua Carlo R. Mendoza.
