THE Cebu City Council set aside P5.2 million to prepare for the El Niño in June or earlier.
The amount is for veterinary medicine and equipment, irrigation support system, low-cost facilities to minimize the impact of heat, and seed varieties that can withstand high temperature.
“Our mountainfolk would be the ones greatly affected in terms of damage to vegetation, crops and livestock,” said City Councilor Dave Tumulak in his resolution to charge the amount to the city’s Pagcor funds.
Of the amount, P500,000 will go to the Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries (DVMF) to purchase medicine.
With warmer days ahead, farmers are advised to keep their crops and livestock away from too much sunlight exposure.
“Farmers have to see to it that their livestock are healthy and vaccinated. We have been monitoring this and we’re giving vitamins and medicines,” said Dr. Pilar Romero, city veterinarian.
Cows, carabaos and goats should be kept in the shade or makeshift barns improvised from leaves and natural materials.
Romero discouraged farmers from using plastics or tarpaulins as shelter as this may still induce heat.