The Cebu City government and the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) are ramping up preparations to address the looming impact of the projected 2026-2027 El Niño phenomenon, which threatens to strain Metro Cebu’s water supply.
Mayor Nestor Archival and MCWD General Manager Atty. John DX Lapid recently convened concerned officials to discuss urgent measures aimed at preventing severe shortages and ensuring continued service, particularly in upland and high-risk communities.
According to MCWD’s assessment, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) forecasts prolonged dry spells beginning later this year, which may result in a supply deficit of around 43,000 cubic meters of water per day. This is due to reduced production from major sources such as Buhisan Dam, Cotcot and Lusaran rivers, and the Jaclupan Water Facility.
To mitigate the deficit, MCWD outlined priority projects that could recover up to 39,000 cubic meters daily, including the drilling of 11 new well sites in Cebu City, expansion projects in Apas, operational expansion of the Opao and Mambaling desalination facilities, and the Cordova pipeline project in partnership with Vivant.
The city government is also supporting the deployment of Mobile Siphon Tanks (MST) to serve upland barangays beyond the reach of the main water grid, with barangays Cambinocot and Bonbon identified as priority areas.
Archival stressed that proactive action is essential to safeguard residents.
‘The projected El Niño is a serious concern, but pinaagi sa panagtinabangay sa city government ug MCWD, we are acting early to ensure that every Cebu City household remains resilient during the coming dry season,’ he said.
The mayor also emphasized the city’s commitment to water security.
‘Dili nato pasagdan ang kahimtang sa atong tubig. We are acting now to protect Cebu City. Klaro nga naay possible shortages, mao nga kinahanglan ta molihok dayon,’ he said.
He added that the city is working to fast-track well development, deploy mobile siphon tanks, and ease permitting processes to expand supply.
‘Nasabtan nako ang kabalaka sa atong mga residente. We are closely monitoring the situation and preparing interventions to reduce the impact sa inyong adlaw-adlaw nga kinabuhi. Magtinabangay ta. I urge everyone to conserve water and follow city advisories,’ he said.
Earlier, Archival also urged residents to adopt conservation practices and revealed that the city is exploring alternative sources, including the use of saltwater for firefighting operations to reduce reliance on potable water.
‘Water conservation is critical, especially during the dry season,’ Archival stressed.