City adopts water security measures: Bracing for drought

MANILA, Philippines —  Cebu City officials have intensified efforts to address the worsening dry spell and the looming threat of a possible “Super El Niño,” with the City Council adopting a water security resolution and the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CCDRRMC) convening to strengthen preparedness measures.

During its latest regular session, the City Council approved a resolution authored by Councilor Michelle Abella-Cellona calling for immediate and coordinated action to safeguard the city’s water supply amid declining rainfall and growing concerns over prolonged dry spell.

The resolution cited data from the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD), which reported that water production at its Jaclupan facility had dropped from 25,000 cubic meters per day to 21,000 cubic meters because of reduced rainfall.

MCWD warned that Metro Cebu could face a daily water deficit of as much as 43,000 cubic meters should dry conditions persist, potentially forcing water rationing in vulnerable communities.

To mitigate the risk, the measure directed the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CCDRRMO),

City Planning and Development Office (CPDO), Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CCENRO), City Health Department (CHD), barangays, national government agencies and water service providers to strengthen conservation efforts, emergency water supply preparations and contingency planning.

The resolution also called for the identification of areas vulnerable to shortages, intensified public information campaigns, improved coordination during service interruptions and the development of alternative water sources for affected communities.

It further emphasized the need for both immediate interventions and long-term strategies aimed at enhancing infrastructure resilience and climate preparedness.

“Access to safe, sufficient and reliable water supply is essential to public health, sanitation, economic activity, disaster preparedness and the general welfare of the people of Cebu City,” the resolution stated.

The effects of the prolonged dry spell are already being felt across the city’s agricultural sector.

Initial reports from the Cebu City Agriculture Department (CAD) showed that more than 233 hectares of farmland in upland barangays have been damaged, affecting hundreds of farmers.

Bananas, corn, vegetables and ornamental plants have suffered significant losses due to extreme heat, reducing harvests and threatening the livelihoods of farming families. Livestock and poultry production has also been affected as farmers grapple with limited water supplies for their animals.

In several mountain barangays, residents have begun queuing at communal water sources and delivery points, while others have reported low water pressure and intermittent service.

Amid these developments, the CCDRRMC met Wednesday at the Mayor’s Conference Room to assess the broader climate outlook and its potential implications for Cebu City.

Representatives from PAGASA and other climate-monitoring agencies warned of a high probability that El Niño conditions will emerge between May and July and could intensify into a strong or “Super El Niño” from December 2026 to February 2027, following the recent La Niña season.

Officials said the phenomenon could bring prolonged dry conditions, severe drought, water shortages, agricultural losses and extreme heat across many parts of the country.

Although fewer tropical cyclones are expected to form during El Niño periods, weather experts noted that storms that do develop may become more intense. During the meeting, MCWD provided updates on the status of water supply in upland communities, while the Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries (DVMF) and CAD raised concerns about the growing impact of drought on crops and livestock.

Among the key measures discussed were enhanced dry-season readiness, continuous monitoring of water resources and drought indicators, intensified public awareness campaigns on El Niño, and stronger inter-agency coordination for disaster preparedness and response.

With both the City Council and the CCDRRMC moving to address the threat, city officials underscored the need for vigilance, resource mobilization and decisive action to protect water security and livelihoods as Cebu braces for potentially harsher climate conditions in the months ahead. (CEBU NEWS)