State of calamity declaration eyed in Cebu City amid scorching weather

Local

CEBU City has moved into a state of preparedness as extreme heat continues to strain communities, with Mayor Nestor Archival now weighing a possible state of calamity in upland areas where farmers are bearing the brunt of the crisis.

Archival said the city is closely monitoring conditions in mountain barangays and is awaiting a formal report from the City Agriculture Department (CAD) to determine whether stronger measures are warranted.

“If there’s a need right now and naa tay makuha na report from CAD, I’d like to request a councilor to make a privilege speech… to declare a state of calamity, labi na sa mountain area ug sa farmers,” he said.

The mayor signaled that the matter could be acted upon as early as the next session of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, depending on the findings.

Even before a calamity declaration is finalized, the City Council has approved a resolution placing the entire city under a state of preparedness due to the effects of the El Niño phenomenon.

The resolution cited prolonged dry spells, declining water supply, and rising temperatures, all of which pose risks to public health, food security, and the environment.

It also highlighted the situation in upland barangays, where farmers and livestock raisers are dealing with reduced crop yields, degraded soil, and heat stress.

The declaration allows the city government to mobilize resources more quickly, intensify monitoring, and implement measures aimed at limiting further damage.

In Barangay Paril and nearby mountain areas, the impact is already visible.

Archival said some farmers are left with unsold produce, with vegetables such as eggplant and bitter gourd spoiling by the roadside as prices continue to drop.

“Ang kahimtang sa mga mag-uuma kay grabe na… ang uban nilang produce naa na sa daplin sa dalan, nangalata na,” he said.

Instead of benefiting from higher prices amid supply constraints, farmers are facing the opposite, earning less while dealing with rising costs.

“Their prices are going down… ang paghakot usahay mas mahal pa kaysa ilang baligya,” the mayor added.

To cushion the impact, the city government is preparing immediate interventions, including possible cash assistance and logistical support.

Archival said discussions are ongoing with the City Treasurer’s Office and the Office of the Vice Mayor to determine how funds can be allocated.

“We will find ways nga makahatag ta og alibyo—it could be cash,” he said.

He noted that part of the P35 million earlier set aside for transport subsidies may be tapped if there are available funds.

At the same time, the city plans to deploy vehicles to transport farmers and their goods from upland barangays to the city at no cost.

The initiative is expected to start within the week, aligned with the usual Friday and Saturday market days.

“Kuhaon sila Thursday sa hapon… then even pag-uli, kita na pud mudala nila balik sa bukid so dili na sila mubayad og mahal nga plete,” Archival said.

Beyond market access, the City Agriculture Department is also preparing to roll out assistance in the form of seeds and fertilizers, as part of its ongoing programs.

Archival said he has asked agriculture officials to gather inputs from farmers, especially as the cost of farm inputs continues to rise.

Despite mounting concerns, the mayor stressed that any declaration of a state of calamity will depend on verified data.

Cebu City has more than 100 farmer associations, making it critical to establish the scope of the problem and identify those most affected.

“Part na sa report from CAD… that will be the basis,” he said.

If conditions meet the threshold, Archival said the city government is prepared to act immediately.(TGP)