DAVAO CITY, Philippines — The Davao City Council is taking proactive steps to shield the local agriculture sector from a projected intensification of El Niño, with its agriculture committee drafting a resolution for early mitigation and response.
Introduced by Councilor Ralph Abella, the measure prompts the City Mayor and the City Planning and Development Office to map out strategies addressing potential threats to crops, livestock, fisheries, and overall food security.
During the Pulong-Pulong sa Dabawenyos forum on Tuesday, October 6, Abella explained that the proposal requests the immediate creation or assembly of an agricultural task force dedicated to managing the climate event’s impacts.
”The proposed city resolution seeks to translate the climate forecasts into localized agricultural preparations,” Abella stated.
The legislative push responds to a warning from DOST-PAGASA indicating that a Strong El Niño in the Tropical Pacific could peak as a Very Strong El Niño by late 2026 and endure through mid-2027. The weather bureau’s outlook for October 2026 to March 2027 anticipates elevated temperatures and reduced rainfall across sections of Mindanao, heightening dry spell risks, crop evaporation, and heat stress on animals.
Under the framework, local authorities will identify vulnerable farming zones, evaluate current irrigation capacities, and promote water conservation. Abella noted that city planners will guide farmers on shifting crop schedules, utilizing drought-tolerant seed varieties, and securing direct support.
”Measures to protect livestock, aquaculture, and fishing communities from heat stress and other climate-related impacts are likewise included in the proposed framework,” the councilor added.
The plan also task the City Agriculturist’s Office with linking technical agencies and barangay leaders to set up fast-tracked communication channels for weather advisories.
Although El Niño signals drier trends, PAGASA reminded the public that rain events from localized thunderstorms, easterlies, and other weather systems remain possible.
Upon final approval by the agriculture committee and the full council, the resolution will head to the executive branch for review and implementation.