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.
Cagayan de Oro, Philippines - The City Local Environment and Natural Resources Office (CLENRO) has begun issuing notices of violation to barangays that fail to adhere to the national solid waste management protocols. This enforcement action started on Monday as part of the city's efforts to comply with Republic Act 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.According to Philippines News Agency, all 80 villages within the city had been previously reminded of their obligations under the law. Despite the city government's deadline imposed last month, some barangays have not yet responded with the required compliance measures. "We reminded them that this is not just a city policy but a national law that we need to comply with," Cuenca stated, emphasizing the legal imperative behind the waste management protocols.
A key requirement for barangays under this law is the segregation of garbage and the establishment of a materials recovery facility, with support from local government units (LGUs). Cuenca anticipates that several barangays will receive violation notices this week, and residents in those areas will be issued ordinance violation receipts (OVRs).
In a parallel development, Mayor Rolando Uy announced a partnership between the city government and Nestlé Philippines focused on nutrition and solid waste management programs. The collaboration aims to leverage the multinational company's experience and resources, given its significant presence in the city as the site of its largest factory in Mindanao. "In driving action to protect the environment and effect positive change in the lives of Kagay-anons, we are looking forward to continuing and further strengthening this partnership," Mayor Uy said.
This partnership will include workshops under Nestlé Philippines' "No Time To Waste" program for local government and barangay stakeholders responsible for the city's solid waste management initiatives. This collaborative effort marks a significant step towards enhancing Cagayan de Oro's environmental sustainability and public health through improved solid waste management practices.