DAVAO CITY – A Davao City councilor is studying new water and irrigation projects to help farmers maintain production during prolonged heat and dry periods as climate change continues to affect rainfall patterns, particularly in upland communities here.
Councilor Ralph Abella, chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture, Aquaculture, Food, and Animals, said the city is exploring potential water sources and irrigation projects in upland areas such as Mapula, Malabog, and Tapak in Paquibato District.
"Water is the first requirement of farming," Abella said, adding that a reliable water supply would allow farmers in the upland communities to continue planting during dry conditions and improve both the volume and quality of their crops.
He said one proposal involves using a solar-powered system to lift water from a lower source in Barangay Malabog to a higher elevation before distributing it to several communities.
"The projects are still being studied, including their technical design, cost, and coordination with the National Irrigation Administration and other concerned offices," the councilor said.
Abella said there is no report yet of significant heat-related damage to high-value crops, but farmers need to prepare for potential impacts.
The City Agriculturist's Office is encouraging farmers to practice urban and rural container gardening and to use organic materials, such as compost and vermicompost, to help retain soil moisture and reduce the effects of prolonged heat, he said.
Abella said prolonged heat could affect the city's food supply and prices, particularly because Davao City still sources a large portion of its vegetables from outside the city.
He said increasing local vegetable production could help reduce the city's dependence on outside suppliers while improving food security.
Local production would also allow the city to monitor farming practices, including pesticide use, he added.
Support for livestock raisers
The councilor also said African swine fever (ASF) remains a concern among backyard hog raisers, with some farmers still hesitant to resume hog production after previous outbreaks.
He urged raisers to strengthen biosecurity measures by controlling farm access and disinfecting footwear, clothing, and equipment entering livestock areas.
Abella also said he plans to propose additional funding for livestock dispersal and production programs, noting that the City Veterinarian's Office has limited resources.
He said stronger support for backyard livestock production could help increase local meat supply, stabilize prices, and reduce dependence on outside sources.
"Livestock raisers are also facing low farm-gate prices, with some struggling to find buyers or receiving offers that are too low to cover their costs," Abella said.
Abella said government intervention may be needed when prices collapse, including temporary "rescue buying" to help farmers recover.
The councilor also called for a review of the impact of imported meat on local producers, particularly while the livestock sector continues to recover from ASF.
With the higher demand for meat during the "ber" months, Abella urged livestock raisers to begin rebuilding their stocks and breeding animals while prices remain relatively affordable.
He said the city could also resume or strengthen livestock dispersal programs, but beneficiaries must be able to properly raise the animals to ensure government assistance is not wasted.
Food Security Code
Abella said the city is also working on a proposed Food Security Code of 2026 aimed at making agriculture more sustainable and profitable and encouraging younger people to enter the sector.
He acknowledged that many farmers lack entrepreneurial skills and that some young people are no longer interested in farming because they see farmers earning less than traders.
The proposed code will cover agricultural production; land, soil, and water resources; livestock, poultry, fisheries, and aquaculture; agricultural infrastructure and mechanization; food processing, food hubs, marketing, and agricultural enterprises; climate resilience, research, and training; and financing, incentives, and implementation.
Abella said the draft will undergo review by the appropriate city offices before being submitted to the City Council.
Available disaster funds
Meanwhile, Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang, chairperson of the Committee on Finance, Ways and Means, and Appropriations, said the city's disaster funds may be used for El Niño-related assistance when a calamity is declared or when farmers suffer major losses from extreme weather.
"Depending on the assessment, the funds may be used for food assistance, seedlings, financial aid, and other forms of support for affected farmers," Dayanghirang said.
He said the City Agriculturist's Office and social welfare offices can assess damages and submit recommendations to the mayor, who may then endorse the necessary appropriation to the City Council.
For long-term protection against dry conditions, Dayanghirang said water development and irrigation projects remain crucial. "Farming cannot continue without a stable water supply."