Farms seeks audience with Capitol execs over El Niño concerns

Local

CEBU farmers and small-scale fishers are seeking dialogue with the provincial government as worsening drought conditions threaten crops, fish catches and livelihoods across the province.

The Panaghugpong sa mga Gagmayng Mananagat sa Sugbo (Pamana-Sugbo), Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) Cebu and Kahugpungan sa Nagpakabanang Mag-uuma sa Tersero Distrito (KNMTD)-Sugbo brought their concerns to the Cebu Provincial Capitol, calling for government action on the effects of El Niño on agriculture and fisheries.

The groups raised the concerns during National Farmers’ Month, citing crop losses in upland areas, declining fish catches and rising production costs, particularly because of high fuel prices.

They said the situation has worsened as rainfall decreases

and temperatures rise, especially in far-flung municipalities in Cebu’s third district and on smaller islands.

Pamana-Sugbo said the groups approached Gov. Pamela Baricuatro's office and members of the Provincial Board, who also passed resolutions on issues affecting farmers and fishers.

The groups said they wanted to bring their sectoral demands directly to the local government as they seek measures to address the immediate effects of drought and prepare for worsening conditions.

The provincial government has allocated P200 million for El Niño preparedness and mitigation as it prepares for potentially prolonged dry conditions.

Capitol Public Information Office head Ainjeliz de la Torre-Orong said the P200 million represents the total funding allocated by the Cebu Provincial Government for its El Niño preparedness and mitigation efforts.

The P200 million forms part of the Cebu El Niño Preparedness and Mitigation Plan 2026-27, which Gov. Pamela Baricuatro approved to protect water supplies, agriculture, public health, energy and essential services.

The plan calls for early action, with the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) monitoring climate conditions, mapping drought- and fire-prone areas and coordinating reports from local governments.(MyTVCebu)