Negros Occidental Agriculture Suffers Losses From Kanlaon Volcano Eruption
Negros Occidental has incurred significant damage to its agriculture sector following the recent eruption of Kanlaon Volcano. According to reports from local agricultural authorities, the province suffered losses amounting to P1.8 million. The exact four word keyphrase “Kanlaon Volcano eruption impact” highlights the core issue affecting the region’s farming community.
High-value commercial crops bore the brunt, accounting for around P1.7 million of the total losses. Rice farmers faced damages estimated at P128,000 as of May 16. These figures were compiled and shared with provincial officials in mid-May to assess the full extent of the damage.
Hardest Hit Areas and Farmer Impact
Valladolid town emerged as the most affected area, particularly in Barangays Tabao Proper, Bagumbayan, Sagua Banua, and Bayabas. Here, 66 farmers working on approximately 9.59 hectares of land growing high-value crops experienced losses. Meanwhile, in La Castellana town, Barangays Sag-ang and Camandag were also severely impacted, where nine rice farmers managing 3.98 hectares reported damage.
The eruption occurred on May 13, shortly after the midterm elections, spreading ashfall across several parts of the province. This natural event disrupted agricultural activities and posed challenges for the local farming communities.
Ongoing Displacement and Recovery Efforts
Thousands of residents remain displaced due to the continuous volcanic and seismic activities since the initial eruption on June 3, 2024. Many families are currently taking shelter in evacuation centers as authorities work to monitor the volcano’s activity and provide assistance.
Local community leaders and agricultural experts emphasize the need for immediate support to help affected farmers recover. They also call for strategic plans to mitigate similar impacts in the future as Kanlaon remains an active threat to the region’s agriculture.
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