Lapu-Lapu City is stepping up preparations for potentially prolonged El Niño conditions, with the weather phenomenon possibly strengthening and persisting through the first half of 2027.
Mayor Ma. Cynthia “Cindi” King-Chan called for early and coordinated action among city offices and concerned agencies to prepare for the possible effects of hotter and drier conditions on the community.
“Prepare early, coordinate closely, and ensure that our response is organized and responsive to the needs of every Oponganon,” King-Chan said.
King-Chan made the call during the Third Quarter Special Meeting of the Lapu-Lapu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (DRRMC) on Thursday, Sept. 10, where officials discussed the city’s preparations for El Niño.
Engr. Jhomer Eclarino, chief weather forecasting specialist of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Mactan, presented the latest weather outlook during the meeting.
Based on the outlook, El Niño may strengthen and continue through the first half of 2027, prompting the city to strengthen its monitoring and preparedness measures.
The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) also presented City Ordinance No. 17-074-2026, which establishes Task Force El Niño to coordinate the city’s preparedness, monitoring and response efforts.
The ordinance was authored by city councilors Annabeth D. Cuizon, Rufo Y. Bering and Marciano A. Alforque Jr.
The task force brings together the Office of the Mayor, City Administrator’s Office, DRRMO, concerned city departments, national government agencies and City Council committees, with the DRRMO serving as its secretariat.
It may be activated upon the issuance of an El Niño Alert or Advisory by DOST-PAGASA or through the mayor’s directive.
The task force will monitor water levels, health conditions, food prices, fire incidents and peace and order as the city prepares for possible impacts of prolonged hot and dry conditions.
The DRRMC meeting was held after the Third Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill, in which city personnel and responders practiced earthquake response procedures.
Photo courtesy of Mayor Cindi King Chan / Facebook
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