As of May 23, 2026, a partial assessment from the City Agriculture Department (CAD) reveals that 663 farmers across 19 barangays in Cebu City are already affected by the severe drought. The consolidated report dated May 20, 2026, indicates that out of 5,801 registered farmers initially monitored, 663 are partially affected, impacting crops, irrigation, and agricultural production in upland and rural areas.
Report Details
The report, submitted by Assistant City Agriculturist Arlie Gesta to City Administrator Albert Tan, aims to guide possible government interventions and assistance for affected farming communities. According to CAD data, Barangay Tabunan has the highest number of affected farmers at 162, followed by Taptap (74), Cambinocot (72), and Pung-ol Sibugay (68).
Damage Percentage
In terms of damage percentage, Barangay Budlaan recorded the highest impact at 51.91%, followed by Tagbao (45.59%), Tabunan (42.69%), and Agsungot (42%). The report also shows that 233.57 hectares of agricultural land are affected out of the total 2,856.54 hectares assessed.
Crops Affected
Crops severely affected by the drought include bananas, eggplants, string beans, tomatoes, cucumbers, bitter gourds, chili peppers, sweet corn, and ornamental plants such as orchids, gerbera, asters, and wonder white flowers. Banana plantations in Barangays Budlaan, Bonbon, Mabini, and Sudlon I are impacted, while vegetable-producing areas like Tabunan, Taptap, Guba, and Sinsin experienced damage to tomatoes, cucumbers, and bitter gourds.
Ornamental Plants
CAD noted that ornamental plants cultivated in Barangays Babag, Budlaan, and Pung-ol Sibugay are highly susceptible to extreme heat and drought. Despite the increasing number of affected farmers, CAD clarified that the data is still partial, as information gathering and validation continue in other upland barangays.
Ongoing Assessment
Additional reports are being consolidated from Barangays Adlaon, Lusaran, Sirao, Sudlon II, Sapangdaku, Buhisan, Binaliw, Busay, and Toong. CAD further stated that the current data indicates the severe drought is significantly impacting agricultural production, especially for crops requiring adequate water and stable growing conditions.
This assessment comes as the City Government intensifies preparations against the potential effects of the drought, including discussions on declaring a state of preparedness and expanding measures to combat the impacts of water scarcity.
