17/06/2026
๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ฎ ๐๐๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ข๐๐ฌ ๐
๐๐ซ๐ฆ๐๐ซ๐ฌ, ๐๐ ๐๐ง๐๐ข๐๐ฌ ๐๐ ๐๐ข๐ง๐ฌ๐ญ ๐๐ฅ ๐๐ขรฑ๐จ
The National Irrigation Administration Bohol-Cebu-Siquijor Irrigation Management Office- Cebu Office convened a major stakeholdersโ meeting in Guadalupe, Cebu City on June 16, 2026, bringing together more than 200 farmers from Cebu City and Cebu Province Irrigators Associations, alongside partner agencies, all working collectively to strengthen coordinated action against the looming threat of El Niรฑo.
Led by NIA 7 Regional Manager Engr. Eusebio S. Villamanto and NIA Cebu Division Manager Engr. Maritez I. Soria, the convergence meeting underscored the urgency of proactive measures to safeguard agricultural productivity.
In her welcome message, Engr. Soria spoke with deep empathy for the farmers and partner agencies present: โWe at NIA share your worries about the challenges El Niรฑo may bring. Today is not just about meetings or reports- it is about standing together as one community. By listening to each other and working hand in hand, we can find ways to protect our fields, our families, and our future. You are not alone in this struggle; we are here to walk with you.โ
Meanwhile, Engr. Villamanto stressed that while irrigation remains NIA's primary mandate, the agency continues to pursue convergence initiatives that connect farmers to various government programs and services aimed at improving their quality of life.
Cebu City Mayor Nestor D. Archival Sr., who also attended the event, expressed solidarity with farmers and underscored the importance of sustainable irrigation projects in strengthening the sector's resilience against El Niรฑo.
The program continued with presentations and discussions from line and partner agencies such as PAG-ASA, DA, DOLE, DSWD, DPWH, and local agricultural offices. These sessions provided vital updates, support programs, and technical guidance for farmers.
PAG-ASA presented detailed weather outlooks, emphasizing the importance of early warnings and localized forecasts. Timely alerts would allow farmers to adjust planting schedules, conserve water, and prepare irrigation systems ahead of prolonged drought conditions.
DOLE representative discussed livelihood assistance programs tailored for farmers who may experience reduced yields due to El Niรฑo and highlighted opportunities for alternative income sources applicable to farmers affected by drought.
DSWD outlined social protection measures, including food packs, cash-for-work programs, and targeted aid for vulnerable farming families.
DPWH presented its plans and programs for the future construction of dams and water-holding facilities, designed to improve storage capacity and ensure reliable water supply for farmers, particularly in times of drought.
DA and the Provincial and City Agriculture Office shared practical strategies such as crop diversification, drought-resistant seed distribution, and intensified farmer education campaigns. They emphasized that localized interventions, supported by national programs, would be key to sustaining agricultural productivity.
The open forum gave farmers the chance to raise their concerns directly, fostering meaningful dialogue between community-level stakeholders and government agencies. The convergence concluded with a unified commitment to implement coordinated mitigation measures, ensuring Cebuโs farming sector remains resilient against climate challenges.
