The eruption of Mount Kanlaon has left a trail of destruction on Negros Island’s agriculture sector, with damages now pegged at P9.31 million, according to data from the Department of Agriculture (DA).
A total of 122 hectares of agricultural land have been affected, impacting 248 farmers and rendering 387 metric tons of produce unusable. The ashfall and volcanic activity have devastated crops, livestock areas, and farmlands across affected communities.
In addition to crop losses, the DA reported that 240 heads of livestock have been relocated to the Negros Occidental Research Outreach Station in La Carlota City to prevent further losses.
DA Negros Island Region (NIR) Regional Executive Director Engr. Jose Albert Barrogo assured that agricultural assistance is ready for the displaced and affected farmers.
He emphasized the agency’s continued coordination with local governments and field offices to assess needs and deliver support promptly.
The DA also reiterated its ongoing monitoring of the volcano’s activity, which remains at Alert Level 3, indicating a high likelihood of further eruptions.
Aside from agricultural damage, the agency is closely watching the movement of market prices and the quality of water sources, both of which could be affected by the prolonged volcanic unrest.
Barrogo urged farmers and residents to remain vigilant and to coordinate with local authorities for timely updates and assistance.
