Archival eyes calamity declaration

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival is considering the declaration of a State of Calamity as the prolonged dry spell, now officially linked to El Niño, continues to strain water resources and affect communities, particularly in upland barangays.

In an interview with reporters, Archival said the City Government has been conducting water deliveries for nearly a month now to address shortages in affected areas.

“Three weeks ago… nagbutang ta og bag-o na truck nga maoy maka-deliver sa bukid,” he said, noting that water distribution in urban barangays has been coursed through the Department of Public Services.

The move comes as the Cebu City Agriculture Department (CAD) reported millions of pesos in agricultural losses due to the drought, with upland farms suffering the greatest impact.

According to CAD, corn and vegetable production have sustained significant damage, while irrigation systems in several sitios have failed amid the continuing dry conditions.

Archival said he is awaiting the department’s final assessment before deciding on the city’s next course of action.

“I’m asking the CAD, taga-i ko’g report… kani man gung atong gihimo karon pagpangandam aning El Niño, ang request gyud sa mga kabukiran kaning ilang mga drums and hoses… naa na ta ani. We can deliver that within a month siguro,” he said.

The city has also coordinated with the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) to facilitate access to water through designated hydrants and other distribution mechanisms intended to serve communities experiencing shortages.

MCWD earlier disclosed that Metro Cebu is facing a daily water deficit of more than 16,000 cubic meters. Current water production stands at 263,941 cubic meters per day against an estimated demand of 280,000 cubic meters.

To address the shortfall, the water utility has begun drilling new wells and exploring alternative sources.

Archival acknowledged that water scarcity remains one of the most pressing concerns brought about by the ongoing dry season and emphasized his administration’s commitment to ensuring that affected communities receive assistance.

The mayor also cited limited funding as a major challenge in responding to the crisis.

“The other thing is because the budget is so small, we are asking the disaster team and also the CAD, taga-i mi’g report because we would like to make, syempre, i-calamity nato na sitwasyon para maka kuha ta’g funds,” Archival explained.

Earlier this year, the Cebu City Council declared a state of preparedness in anticipation of El Niño’s effects and directed the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CCDRRMO) to submit a city water security preparedness report within 45 days.

The resolution cited the risk of a worsening water deficit and called for proactive measures to safeguard water supply and strengthen the city’s climate resilience efforts.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned that El Niño conditions are expected to persist and could intensify in the coming months, with moderate to strong dry spells likely between September and November.

PAGASA’s latest advisory noted rainfall deficits across Central Visayas, raising concerns over water availability and further agricultural losses.

Despite the growing impact of the dry spell, Archival stressed that any declaration of a state of calamity must be supported by proper documentation and assessments.

“Declaration of state of calamity? Yes. But we are still waiting for the documents. Di ta kabuhat ug declaration of calamity kon wala tay basis. We will wait for that… siguro within the next two weeks,” he said. — FPL CEBU NEWS