Gov. Pamela Baricuatro directed the Provincial Agriculture Office to lead priority actions funded by a P34 million Agri-Fishery Insurance Program to protect local agriculture and coastal communities from a looming Super El Niño.
Provincial Agriculture head Roldan Saragena stated that the Province is shouldering full premium payments for small farmers cultivating three hectares or less and local fisherfolk, alongside distributing organic fertilizer and short-duration vegetable seeds.
The Province is purchasing water pumps, plastic drums, garden hoses, deploying small irrigation systems with 4,000-liter tanks, and preparing to deploy over 100 payaw fish aggregating devices to support coastal fisherfolk.
THE Cebu Provincial Government is ramping up key priority actions to cushion the impact of a looming Super El Niño, directing provincial offices to protect local agriculture and coastal communities ahead of an extended dry spell expected to last through the first half of 2027.
Gov. Pamela Baricuatro ordered the Provincial Agriculture Office to lead the measures.
Provincial Agriculture head Roldan Saragena said they have already coordinated with Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) experts to assess potential risks.
Free insurance coverage
At the core of the response is a P34 million Agri-Fishery Insurance Program. The Province is shouldering full premium payments for small farmers cultivating three hectares or less, as well as local fisherfolk.
Saragena said substantial funds remain available for eligible beneficiaries, as only a small portion of the allocation has been spent so far. Operators with more than three hectares are expected to secure their own coverage.
Soil moisture and gardening support
To combat soil drying, the Province is distributing 500 boxes of organic fertilizer to every local government unit in Cebu. The supplies support the “Food Always in the Home” (Faith) household food program.
To protect household food supply, the Province is allocating funds for short-duration vegetable seeds like pechay, kangkong, lettuce and peppers.
“Mga utanon nga ma-harvest nato within 15 to 20 days… mao ni ang dali-dali ra kaayo nga kinahanglan sa atong household,” Saragena said.
(These are vegetables we can harvest within 15 to 20 days... these are what our households need urgently.)
Saragena said organic fertilizer acts like a sponge, helping the soil retain moisture longer during prolonged dry spells.
Water equipment and storage systems
The Province is purchasing water pumps, plastic drums, and garden hoses for agricultural areas, focusing on farming municipalities like Dalaguete, Alcoy, Oslob and Argao.
To secure farmland water access, Saragena said the Province is deploying small irrigation systems equipped with 4,000-liter tanks, 100-meter hoses, and 200-liter storage drums.
“Ang atong mga kasapaan dili pa entirely dried up, so makakolekta pa ta og tubig para magamit sa kaumahan,” Saragena said.
(Our rivers are not yet entirely dried up, so we can still collect water for use in the farmlands.)
Saragena said the storage setups will allow farmers to harvest their crops without severe delays caused by dry conditions.
“Naa’y ma-harvest sa saktong panahon with the provisions of these water reservoirs in their farms,” Saragena said.
(There will be crops to harvest on time with the provisions of these water reservoirs in their farms.)
Supplemental pesticides are also being stockpiled to help farmers manage dry-season crop infestations.
Assistance for coastal fisherfolk
For the maritime sector, authorities are preparing to deploy over 100 payaw (fish aggregating devices) across coastal waters around Cebu to maintain fish catch levels for coastal fishing communities throughout the dry period.
“Ang isda sa atong kadagatan kay katag na sila… unless magbutang ta og payaw,” Saragena said, noting that the devices will help lower overhead costs for small-scale coastal workers.
(The fish in our seas are scattered... unless we set up payaw.)
“Maka-save pa sila og fuel… dili na magsigsuroy-suroy mangita sa isda,” Saragena said.
(They can also save fuel... they will no longer wander around looking for fish.) / CDF