'Oratio Imperata' sought against El Niño, ill effects

The Archdiocese of Cebu is set to release an "Oratio Imperata" on the prevailing drought that has severely affected water supply, crops, livestock, and even schedule of school classes. 

Oratio imperata is Latin to mean "obligatory prayer" or invocative prayers that believers recite under grave need or calamity seeking Divine intervention.

In Sitio Maracas, Barangay Lahug, Cebu City, for example, residents had waited for three days for the water tanker to arrive.

Various communities in the city have requested for water rationing amid depleting supply in key water sources as an effect of the dry season that has spanned four months already.

The water was supplied by the Metro Cebu Water District and distributed by personnel of the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office. 

Engr. Jhomer Eclarino, weather specialist of state weather bureau PAGASA in the Visayas, warned of dangerous level of heat indices in May in Cebu, seen between 44°C and 47° Celsius (C).

The dangerous heat index level in Cebu City this year was first recorded on April 26, 2024 at 40°C; the second time was on April 28, 2024. 

The Archdiocese of Cebu is set to release a copy of the Oratio Imperata any time this week, according to Archbishop Jose Palma. 

Palma also called on Cebu City leaders and water district officials to set aside their rift and ensure they put the welfare of water consumers first over their interests in the reported standoff.

Palma underscored that though people may appear to be helpless at nature's fury, "once we hold on to our humanity and continue protecting each other, we weather various crises together." —GMA Regional TV

(with reports from Lou-Anne Mae Rondina/GMA Regional TV Balitang Bisdak)