MAYON Volcano (Mayor Caloy Baldo FB)
LEGAZPI CITY, Albay — Agricultural damage from the recent ashfall triggered by Mayon Volcano has reached more than P6.6 million, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA)-Bicol.
In its latest report, a total of 15.35 hectares of farmland were affected, resulting in the loss of approximately 83.60 metric tons of agricultural produce following the ashfall last Saturday, May 2.
DA-Bicol spokesperson Lovella Guarin said that high-value crops accounted for the bulk of the damage, amounting to P6,516,537.06. Losses to livestock and poultry were estimated at P121,400.
Mayor Caloy Baldo of Camalig town, Albay province said farmers in several ashfall-hit barangays would likely have no harvest this season. They include Anoling, Quirangay, Sua, and Tumpa, where thick layers of volcanic ash blanketed vegetable farms.
Local officials said some livestock died after being exposed to hot ashfall during the eruption-related activity.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation as farmers assess the full extent of the damage and seek assistance for recovery.