CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Agriculture Department (CAD) has assured that it is creating measures in preparation for the summer season.
City Agriculturist Joelito Baclayon said that even before the start of summer season, in which extreme heat is felt causing the death of crops, they have started establishing water reservoirs in the city's upland barangays.
Baclayon said since last year, they already prepared some water storage.
"Naa natay gipang-establish nga reservoirs, which is innovative na nga paagi diin ang usa ka tubig nga atong makit-an kanang source, atong gibutangan og 'pan liner.' Kanang hapin para mapundohan gyud na," he said.
He said at least 200 areas have these water reservoirs established.
"Andam na siya daan nga mga area pud nga sources, nga abundant ang tubig, unya atong gibutangan og mga pundohanan," said Baclayon.
For this year, he said included in CAD's agenda is the expansion of the areas to be developed as preparation for the water shortage, which mostly happens during summer.
He added a budget was allocated for the plan, but did not disclose the amount.
"Ang atoa jud kay kanang pagbuhat og mga pundohanan sa tubig. It might be pundo sa tubig gikan sa ulan, sapa, ug spring... kanang mga tinubdan jud ba," said Baclayon.
Baclayon advised the farmers to plant root crops such as beets and carrots during summer season. They can also resort to planting corns.
"Naa tay program wherein naay usa ka area nga dili kaayo siya maigo sa init kay abundant siya sa tubig, that's the time nga atoang i-massive ang iya production," he said.
He added that Mayor Edgardo Labella promised that a budget can be allocated for the procurement of materials needed, if it becomes insufficient, in addressing the problems to be encountered especially during the summer. GAN (FREEMAN)