Sun Feb 02 00:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Cebu City Prepares for Potential El Niño Despite Low Probability

**Cebu City, Philippines (February 1, 2025)** – The Cebu City Agriculture Department (CAD) is taking proactive measures to mitigate the potential impact of El Niño on local farmers, even though the probability of the weather phenomenon occurring this year is relatively low. While a weather expert from PAGASA Visayas estimates only a 30% chance of El Niño in 2025, CAD head Arleigh Gesta is not taking any chances.

The CAD, with a P38 million budget for 2025 (P12 million less than requested), has begun distributing water drums and hoses to farmers and is supporting the creation of water impounding areas in upland barangays. Gesta acknowledges the budget is insufficient to adequately support the city’s over 12,000 farmers, stating an ideal budget would be P50 million. City Councilor Noel Wenceslao assures that supplemental budget requests are possible.

Last year’s El Niño severely impacted Cebu City agriculture, causing P2.63 billion in agricultural losses nationwide. In Cebu City alone, the drought affected 10,000 farmers, damaging 454 hectares of farmland and prompting the declaration of a water crisis. This prompted the CAD to implement water conservation training, identify new water sources, and provide emergency food aid. However, delays in aid distribution and coordination were criticized by some farmers.

To prevent a repeat of these issues, the CAD is updating farmer profiles, adding nearly 1,000 farmers to the registry system. They are also launching an information campaign advising farmers to plant crops with short growing periods (under 45 days) to minimize losses. The CAD is continuing its various programs, including crop production extension and alternative marketing initiatives. The agency aims to ensure that all registered farmers receive assistance. Despite the lower probability of El Niño this year, the CAD’s preparations highlight the city’s commitment to protecting its agricultural sector from future weather-related challenges.

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