The Archdiocese of Cebu is set to release an "Oratio Imperata" on the prevailing drought that has affected severely 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.
CRISIS IN WATER SUPPLY
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 (MCWD) and distributed by personnel of the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.
One of vital sources for surface water is Buhisan Dam in Cebu City. However, the prolonged heat has rendered the supply depleted as of this writing.
Death of freshwater fish that had thrived for some time in the dam was also noted. These dead fish float on whatever water is left that collects in pools.
Aside from Buhisan Dam, there is also the Jaclupan Dam, or weir, in Talisay City in the Province of Cebu where depletion of water supply is also recorded.
STATE OF CALAMITY
Twenty-eight mountain barangays in Cebu City are placed under a state of calamity on April 1, 2024.
The news team witnessed the predicament of farmers in Sitio Sip-ak, Barangay Sudlon Uno whose crops have wilted to the dry spell.
Manang Besing, or Visitacion Bellita, has counted losses instead of grains. Last March 2024, she would have harvested rice again, but this has not happened this year. The panicle, or head of grain, had a hard time develloping.
Last year's harvest rendered 30 sacks of unhusked rice, but Manang Besing could not hope for more this year. She worried over losses she said she might not recover at all.
Manang Besing's prayer, just like the rest of farmers on bended knees, is for the rain to finally pour.
HIGH HEAT INDEX YET TO PEAK
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.
CONSUMERS WELFARE
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 but once we hold on to our humanity and continue protecting each other, we weather various crises together.
(with reports from Lou-Anne Mae Rondina/GMA Regional TV Balitang Bisdak)
