Bulusan agricultural damage reaches P3.54 million

MANILA, Philippines —  The amount of damage caused by the eruption of Bulusan Volcano in Sorsogon to the agriculture sector has reached P3.54 million, according to the Department of Agriculture.

Data from the DA operations center showed the total volume of production losses reached 104 tons, covering 26 hectares of high-value crops such as banana and lowland vegetables. The volcanic eruption displaced at least 146 farmers.

The DA said the figures have yet to be validated.

Workers at the DA-Bicol office are monitoring the situation and ready to distribute rice, corn and vegetable seeds as well as farm equipment to mitigate losses.

Prices and movement of commodities are being monitored to prevent unscrupulous traders from taking advantage of the situation, the DA said.

The Sorsogon Dairy Production and Technology Center was tapped to shelter animals evacuated by their owners.

Alert Level 1 or low-level unrest remains hoisted over Bulusan Volcano.