Drought’s impact on crops checked

CEBU, Philippines — The upland barangays in Cebu City are grappling with the effects of drought brought by the onset of El Niño.

Cebu City Agriculture Department (CAD) personnel are assessing the agricultural damage in the mountain areas for possible declaration of a state of calamity.

“Our field technicians are looking into the extent of the damage and the number of affected farmers,” she said.

The data gathered will be submitted to the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CCDRRMO) for perusal.

The recommendation for the declaration of a state of calamity will be coming from CCDRRMO. CCDRRMO’s recommendation is subject for the City Council’s approval.

The declaration will allow the city government to use its calamity fund in extending help to the farmers.

Based on CAD’s initial report, 28 upland barangays are suffering from water shortage.

The affected barangays are Busay, Pulangbato, Budlaan, Binaliw, Mabini, Agsungot, Malubog, Taptap, Adlaon, Guba, Lusaran, Cambinocot, Paril, Sirao, Pamutan, Toong, Sapangdaku, Kalunasan, Buhisan, Pung-ol Sibugay, Babag, Bonbon, Sudlon 1, Sudlon 2, Sinsin, Tagbao, Tabunan, and Buot Taop.

To help the farmers and residents, the city has deployed water tankers in these areas.

Meanwhile, Cebu City Health Officer Alma Corpin has warned the public against common ailments in this time of the year, especially dehydration and heatstroke.

“Drink a lot of water and wear light clothing,” she said. (FREEMAN)