MANILA — Continued activity from Mayon Volcano has damaged rice, vegetable, and high-value crops in Albay, affecting hundreds of farmers and causing millions of pesos in agricultural losses, according to the Department of Agriculture.

Initial assessments by the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office V showed that 102 hectares of farmland within the six-kilometer radius area were damaged, resulting in production losses amounting to 364 metric tons.

The damage has affected 228 farmers, with estimated losses reaching P13.02 million.

The agency also reported livestock losses involving 33 heads of cattle.

Another 534.39 hectares of farmland inside the Permanent Danger Zone remain under threat, including 335.26 hectares of corn, 179.51 hectares of high-value crops, and 19.62 hectares planted with fruit trees.

Authorities said complete assessment of the affected areas has yet to be conducted because of safety restrictions, adding that further losses are expected as validation operations continue.

Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the Department of Agriculture is rolling out relief and recovery assistance for affected farmers.

“We are prioritizing seeds, fertilizers, farm tools, and financial support to help rice and vegetable farmers recover,” Tiu Laurel said. “Our teams are monitoring affected areas and coordinating with local governments to ensure timely aid, while protecting livestock through evacuation and health checks.”

The DA Regional Field Office V has established 27 animal evacuation sites currently sheltering more than 1,000 livestock.

The agency has also distributed animal feeds, ropes, masks, and veterinary supplies, while monitoring the prices and transport of agricultural products in affected areas.

Additional interventions include P49 million worth of agricultural inputs, fingerlings from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Regional Office V, livestock supplements, 18,470 metric tons of rice from the National Food Authority, zero-interest loans under the SURE Program, and indemnification assistance for insured farmers through the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation.

Authorities said lava flows continue along the Basud, Bonga, and Mi-isi gullies, accompanied by minor strombolian eruptions.

On May 5, Mayon emitted a 300-meter ash plume that drifted northwest to west-southwest, while sulfur dioxide emissions reached 2,184 tonnes per day.

Entry into the six-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone remains strictly prohibited.

The DA Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operations Center said it continues to monitor Mayon’s activity and urged residents and farmers to follow official advisories as the volcano remains active.