Capitol forms Super El Niño task force

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu provincial government has created a Super El Niño Task Force to coordinate preparations for the possible intensification of the weather phenomenon, which could bring prolonged drought and threaten water supply, agriculture, public health, and livelihoods across the province.

The task force was established through Executive Order (EO) No. 57, Series of 2026, signed by Governor Pamela Baricuatro, directing provincial offices to work together in preparing for and addressing the possible effects of severe El Niño conditions.

“The Super El Niño Task Force of the Province of Cebu (Task Force) shall lead and coordinate the province's preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery efforts against the impacts of severe El Niño conditions," the EO stated.

Under the order, the task force will lead preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery efforts through risk-based planning, inter-agency coordination, resource mobilization, and monitoring of interventions.

The measure comes after the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA) reported on September 23 that a Strong El Niño was already active in the Tropical Pacific.

According to the agency's climate models and expert evaluations cited in the order, the phenomenon is expected to intensify into a Very Strong El Niño between the September-December 2026 season and persist through the first half of 2027.

The provincial government warned of possible rainfall deficits, water scarcity, agricultural and fisheries losses, heat-related illnesses, and other effects that could affect communities.

The task force is expected to monitor PAGASA forecasts, rainfall levels, drought conditions, water supply, and agricultural impacts to identify municipalities, barangays, sectors, and critical facilities that are most vulnerable.

It will also formulate a provincial El Niño action plan identifying priority interventions, responsible offices, implementation timelines, and necessary resources, including contingency measures for prolonged drought and water shortages.

Water security will be among its primary concerns. The body will assess available water resources, identify communities at risk of shortages, and coordinate emergency water delivery, alternative water sources, and conservation campaigns.

The order also directs the task force to prioritize water allocation for drinking, sanitation, health facilities, and other essential needs, particularly in communities facing limited access to water.

In the agriculture sector, it will identify affected farmers, livestock raisers, fisheries, and production areas while coordinating drought-resistant farming measures, irrigation support, alternative cropping schedules, and agricultural assistance.

It will likewise monitor possible disruptions in food supply and price increases as prolonged dry conditions could affect agricultural production and the livelihoods of farmers and fisherfolk.

The task force will also coordinate preparations for possible health concerns, including heat-related illnesses, dehydration, and sanitation problems. It is expected to identify vulnerable households and communities requiring assistance and support public information campaigns on health and safety.

Under the EO, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) will serve as the task force's secretariat. It will coordinate with provincial offices, component cities and municipalities, national government agencies, water districts, utilities, and other partners.

Representatives from PAGASA, the Office of Civil Defense, National Irrigation Administration, academe, civil society, and the private sector may also be invited to participate as resource persons or partner representatives, subject to their respective authorities and concurrence.

“The Task Force shall submit a situation and action report to the Governor and PDRRMC at least every two (2) weeks during heightened monitoring, or more frequently as circumstances required," it noted. — (FREEMAN)