*The Lapu-Lapu City Government activated Task Force El Niño under City Ordinance 17-074-2026 on Sept. 10, 2026, to prepare for hotter, drier conditions expected through mid-2027.
* Pagasa reported a moderate to strong El Niño that could reach a very strong state by late 2026, projecting dry conditions in Cebu by November and drought by February 2027.
* Led by the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, the task force will monitor water supplies, public health, food prices, fire incidents, and peace and order during prolonged dry conditions.
THE Lapu-Lapu City Government has activated its Task Force El Niño as the City prepares for hotter and drier conditions that could persist into the first half of 2027.
The task force was activated during the third-quarter special meeting of the Lapu-Lapu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council on Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, according to the City Information Office.
Jhomer Eclarino, chief weather forecasting specialist of the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) in Visayas, presented the latest El Niño outlook as city officials discussed measures to prepare for and reduce the effects of the weather phenomenon.
Mayor Ma. Cynthia “Cindi” King-Chan said the City must act before the effects intensify.
“Prepare early, coordinate closely and ensure that our response is organized and responsive to the needs of every Oponganon,” King-Chan said.
El Niño outlook
Pagasa reported that a moderate to strong El Niño is present in the tropical Pacific. Climate models indicate that it could reach a very strong state before the end of 2026 and continue through the first half of 2027.
Cebu is projected to experience dry conditions by the end of November and a dry spell by the end of December.
The dry spell could continue through January, while drought may develop by the end of February 2027.
Pagasa defines drought as five consecutive months with rainfall 21 to 60 percent below normal or three consecutive months with rainfall more than 60 percent below normal.
Prolonged rainfall shortages could strain water supplies, agriculture and other sectors that depend on regular rain.
Task force duties
The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office led the discussion on City Ordinance 17-074-2026, which created the Task Force El Niño and established a coordinated system for preparedness, monitoring and response. Councilors Annabeth Cuizon, Rufo Bering and Marciano Alforque Jr. authored the ordinance.
The task force will monitor water levels, public health conditions, food prices, fire incidents and peace and order during prolonged dry conditions.
Under the ordinance, the task force may be activated after Dost-Pagasa issues an El Niño alert or advisory or upon the mayor’s directive.
Its members include representatives from the Office of the Mayor, City Administrator’s Office, concerned city departments, National Government agencies and City Council committees. The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office will serve as its secretariat. / DPC