Projects target completion in nearly two months
Groundbreaking and capsule-laying ceremonies on Wednesday marked the start of projects worth at least PHP58 million, primarily serving hinterland barangays. The locations included Magsaysay, Medina, Talisayan, Konoguitan, Sugbongcogon and Gingoog City.
The province is aiming to finish the projects in nearly two months. Governor Juliette Uy has directed officials to speed up implementation so residents can use the improvements as soon as possible.
Further groundbreaking and capsule-laying ceremonies are scheduled in municipalities and cities across the province throughout the week.
Dry spell adds to agricultural concerns
With farm-to-market roads making up much of the infrastructure program, provincial officials also examined agriculture's exposure to El Niño. Information officer-in-charge Joanne Tabique said the province's extensive farmland could suffer severely from drought and required careful planning.
Misamis Oriental was already experiencing a dry spell as of September 2026. The Department of Science and Technology identified it alongside Capiz and Leyte, according to the Daily Tribune. The classification means three consecutive months of below-normal rainfall, or a reduction of 21% to 60% from average rainfall.
In its September 23, 2026, advisory, DOST-PAGASA said a Strong El Niño was active in the Tropical Pacific. Climate models and expert assessments projected that it would strengthen to a Very Strong El Niño during the September-December 2026 season, with the event expected to continue through the first half of 2027.
A September 17 BusinessWorld report cited World Meteorological Organization forecasts putting the likelihood of El Niño lasting through February 2027 at nearly 100%. Shombi Sharp, deputy executive secretary of UN ESCAP, said the event could rank among the strongest on record. The report also cited Department of Agriculture figures showing PHP57.78 billion in agricultural losses from the strong 2023-2024 El Niño.
Water, hospital preparations and farm funding
The province is considering alternative sources of irrigation water and ways to assist households that could run short of water. Tabique also outlined preparations within the provincial hospital system.
"We are also preparing measures for hydration and related medical needs in our Misamis Oriental Provincial Hospital (MOPH) network. During this period, skin burns and dehydration are among the common health problems associated with El Niño," Tabique said.
Regional preparations included an August 20, 2026, meeting in Barangay Gusa, Cagayan de Oro City. The Department of Agriculture's Regional Field Office 10 brought together local governments from Camiguin and Misamis Oriental for an El Niño Preparedness Consultative Meeting and Planning Workshop. Participants also included the Office of Civil Defense, National Irrigation Administration, National Food Authority and Bureau of Soils and Water Management.
Agricultural funding remains a concern. The Misamis Oriental Provincial Agriculture Office received PHP12 million for 2026 against a proposed PHP85 million budget, according to GMA Regional TV One Mindanao. Office head Michelle Lace said the allocation was solely for assistance related to the approaching El Niño. The office expressed concern about its ability to carry out agricultural programs amid the anticipated event.
