Cebu City, Philippines - In response to the severe dry spell caused by El Niño, Cebu City's local government is deploying four water tankers to support the upland farming villages struggling with water scarcity. The initiative, spearheaded by Councilor Pastor Alcover Jr., who chairs the city council's committee on agriculture, aims to alleviate the adverse effects of the dry season on local agriculture.
According to Philippines News Agency, the area's agricultural production has been significantly impacted, with over 100 hectares of farmland currently suffering due to the ongoing El Niño phenomenon. Julito Baclayon, the city agriculturist, led an assessment in 28 hinterland villages where farmers have reported critical shortages in water supply for irrigation.
The city has collaborated with the Metro Cebu Water District to repurpose existing fire hydrants as water sources for the tankers, which will then distribute water to the affected farmers. Alcover highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting the drying up of some creeks and rivers that serve as vital water sources for vegetable and livestock farms in the region.
Baclayon reassured farmers that the city government is committed to doubling its efforts to mitigate the dry season's impact on the agriculture sector. This measure reflects the city's proactive approach to supporting its agricultural communities during challenging environmental conditions.