Basilan, CDO scrap holiday parties to redirect funds for El Niño

PAGADIAN CITY – In a move prioritizing public welfare and climate readiness over holiday festivities, the local government units of Basilan and Cagayan de Oro City have canceled their annual year-end holiday parties to redirect resources for preparedness and mitigation measures against the potential severe impacts of the Super El Niño.

In Basilan, Gov. Mujiv Hataman issued Executive Order No. 52, Series of 2026, directing all provincial government officials and employees to refrain from organizing, sponsoring, or holding year-end celebrations using public funds. 

“The cancelation of the traditional annual year-end gathering of provincial government officials and employees is deemed a necessary and prudent measure to demonstrate solidarity with our constituents and underscore the government’s commitment to putting public welfare above social celebrations,” he stated in the order released on Monday.

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His directive comes as weather forecasters warn of the anticipated onset of the Super El Niño, which poses threats of prolonged drought, extreme heat, water scarcity, agricultural losses, food insecurity, and other socioeconomic consequences that may severely affect vulnerable communities and the livelihood of the people.

The order pointed out that the provincial government must exercise prudence, fiscal discipline, and responsible governance by prioritizing public funds and government resources for essential services, disaster risk reduction, preparedness, and timely response to the anticipated effects of the looming climate phenomenon.

Hataman said the funds for the holiday gatherings would be better directed toward strengthening the province’s disaster preparedness and response capabilities, subject to appropriate budgeting and auditing rules.

Under the directive, provincial offices are instructed to focus their preparations on securing potable water supply, supporting farmers and fisherfolk, boosting the operational capabilities of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), conducting public awareness campaigns on heat and fire safety, and preparing targeted community interventions.

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READ: Cebu City drops grand Christmas party amid El Niño preparations

While directing departments to review available budgets for disaster mitigation, Hataman reminded provincial personnel to maintain the uninterrupted delivery of essential public services, particularly to communities most susceptible to the dry spell.

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In Cagayan de Oro City, Mayor Rolando Uy also canceled the city hall’s 2026 year-end party, shifting the local government’s resources from holiday festivities to survival measures ahead of the anticipated Super El Niño.

The move channels funds and manpower directly into mitigating the severe impacts of the impending dry spell, with focus on alternative economic lifelines for constituents.

“We are actively introducing non-agricultural economic activities to our farmers,” city agriculturist Engr. Bernie Daba, Jr said in a video advisory released by the City Information Office.

In coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry – Region 10 (DTI-10) and the City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) office, these programs aim to generate substitute income when traditional farming takes a hit from the drought.

Coastal communities are also being retooled to weather the looming crisis. Daba noted that the city is training fisherfolk in value-added techniques, pivoting their reliance from raw catches to processed goods like bottled Spanish sardines.

To bolster the city’s food security, the agriculture office is also pushing the deployment of Norwegian fish cages for milkfish (bangus) production, a strategy Daba highlighted as one of Mayor Uy’s key countermeasures.

On the rural infrastructure front, the city is tapping into renewable energy to assist farmers. Six solar panel units have already been installed, with five more slated for deployment to service agricultural zones spanning half a hectare to three-quarters of a hectare.

READ: Minglanilla cancels Christmas party, redirects funds to El Niño prep

Despite the grim climate forecast that prompted the austerity measures, Daba urged the agricultural sector not to panic.

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“Don’t hesitate. If problems arise, just contact us or visit us here in the office because we are willing to help,” Daba said./coa