The eruption of Mt. Kanlaon has inflicted over PHP1 million in damage to the agricultural sector, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA). The initial assessment, announced on Tuesday, pegged the total damage at PHP1.39 million, primarily affecting 40 farmers in the region. A significant portion of the losses, as reported by DA Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa, was in rice production, amounting to PHP620,280. Other affected crops included high-value crops and bananas, with damages of PHP420,400, and corn, with losses of PHP349,320.
The Sugar Regulatory Administration also reported an initial loss in sugarcane production ranging from 10,000 to 15,000 metric tons, though the exact financial impact is still being assessed. Despite these losses, the SRA anticipates a harvest of approximately 1.78 million metric tons of sugarcane.
De Mesa reassured the public that the impact of the volcanic eruption on agriculture would not lead to significant increases in retail prices of major commodities, describing the effect as ‘very, very minimal’ and highly localized.
In response to the disaster, the DA has already begun distributing aid to the affected farmers. This includes nearly PHP100,000 in drugs and biologics for livestock farmers in the province. Additional support measures include the provision of rice and corn seeds, further drugs and biologics, a zero-interest loan of PHP25,000 repayable over three years under the Agricultural Credit Policy Council’s Survival and Recovery loan program, an indemnification fund for insured farmers through the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation, and the use of a quick response fund.