As summer heat intensifies: City agri execs seek divine intervention

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Agriculture Department and the Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries have requested an “Oratio Imperata” or an Obligatory Prayer from the church as  temperatures are expected to increase next month.

CAD head Joey Baclayon and DVMF head Alice Utlang both said during a press conference yesterday that people tend to forget that God is more powerful to answer the current problem.

“Nakalimot ta nga naa pa’y labing mas taas (God) nga angay natong pangayoan labi na sigeng ting-init,” said Utlang.

But she said the hot weather has a purpose, which is to kill the bacteria and pests in the surroundings.

However, she said if the dry spell is already affecting the lives of the people, then it’s time to pray and ask for divine intervention.

“Hangyo ta sa atong kaparian nga sugdan na unta nato og ampo ang Oratio Imperata kay nakahibawo na man ta, nisulti na ang PAGASA nga grabe na ato’ng ting-init labi na sa May,” said Utlang.

Meanwhile, Baclayon also said divine intervention is effective just like last year when a mild El Niño phenomenon struck and the church had an Oratio Imperata.

“Na-experience nato na last year. Nag-Oratio Imperata kay nag-mild El Niño phenomenon ug na experience nato nga niulan gyud, scattered na ulan-ulan. Karon, atong sugdan na,” said Baclayon.

But the two department heads said this request does not mean the conditions in the mountain barangays is already alarming, explaining that the divine intervention is for the situation not to get worse.

Baclayon said as of now, they still have not received any reports of great damage to the plantations of flowers and crops.

However, once there is a great damage, he said the P5 million fund for the farmers’ insurance will be given to farmers as financial assistance.

Meanwhile, Utlang also said they already distributed vitamins for the animals of livestock farmers in the city.

She also said they are now preparing a formula that can be used in bathing the animals to keep their body hydrated.

“Kay mas stressed man ang hayop karon, naa gi-introduce nga formula nga iligo sa hayop para dili kaayo mo-decipitate og carbon dioxide para dili kaayo ma-dehydrated ang lawas,” said Utlang.

She also advised farmers to always keep their livestock away from the heat.  (FREEMAN)