Kanlaon eruption agriculture damage climbs to P151 million

MANILA, Philippines — Damage to the agriculture sector due to the eruption of Kanlaon Volcano has increased to P151 million, according to the Department of Agriculture.

DA Assistant Secretary and spokesman Arnel de Mesa said 2,341 farmers in Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental were affected, with production loss of 5,583 metric tons.

At least 1,061 plantations were destroyed while 534 hectares were affected by ashfall and lahar.

Losses in Negros Oriental were estimated at P139.6 million and P11.3 million in Negros Occidental.

Damage to high-value crops was recorded at P101.2 million; rice, P47 million; livestock and poultry, P2.2 million, and corn, P562,312.

 The DA said its regional field offices  are validating the impact of Kanlaon Volcano’s unrest on the agriculture and fisheries sectors.

“Best possible efforts are being undertaken to carry out assistance and appropriate interventions for affected farmers and fisherfolk,” the DA said.

It said a loan of P25,000 is available under the Survival and Recovery program from the Agricultural Credit Policy Council.  

Meanwhile, 783 families or 2,922 residents of four barangays in La Castellana, Negros Occidental may stay longer in evacuation centers.

Mayor Alme Rhummyla Mangilimutan said residents of Barangays Biak na Bato, Masulog, Cabagna-an and Sagang,  whose houses were within the four-kilometer danger zone, were not given clearance to return to their homes.

On Wednesday, 488 families from Barangay Mansalanao were allowed to return to their homes.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology recorded 10 volcanic quakes yesterday.