Kanlaon Eruption Destroys PHP1.8M Worth of Crops

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – The recent eruption of Kanlaon Volcano caused PHP1,847,060.86 in agricultural damage in Negros Occidental, according to a report from the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist submitted to Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson on May 19.

High-value commercial crops sustained the most damage, accounting for PHP1,718,947.58 in losses.

Rice crops also suffered, with damages estimated at PHP128,113.28 as of May 16.

Valladolid town was the hardest hit, particularly in Barangays Tabao Proper, Bagumbayan, Sagua Banua and Bayabas.

Sixty-six farmers cultivating 9.59 hectares of high-value crop land were affected.

In La Castellana, rice farmers in the villages of Sag-ang and Camandag recorded losses across 3.98 hectares, affecting nine individuals.

Kanlaon’s explosive eruption on May 13—just a day after the midterm elections—blanketed various areas of the province in ash.

Thousands of residents displaced by continued volcanic activity since the June 3 eruption remain in evacuation centers.

The Office of Civil Defense–Negros Island Region (OCD-NIR) is reviewing proposed permanent evacuation and resettlement sites in four local government units.

The areas under review are La Castellana, La Carlota City, Bago City and San Carlos City.

OCD-NIR regional director Donato Sermeno III said San Carlos City initially did not request relocation but later recognized the need.

A permanent evacuation center has been proposed for Barangay Codcod in San Carlos City.

Though outside the six-kilometer permanent danger zone, the city prefers permanent resettlement over temporary shelter solutions.

A 300-hectare site in Barangay Prosperidad is being considered, though funding and construction matters are yet to be finalized with the National Task Force Kanlaon.

In La Carlota City, proposed relocation sites in Barangays Haguimit, San Miguel and La Granja were rejected due to risk from pyroclastic density currents.

The city is still searching for safer alternatives.

In La Castellana, potential relocation includes Barangay Talaptap, which needs road access improvements, and Barangay Lalagsan, where talks stalled after the landowner withdrew.

Bago City also identified a possible relocation site, but hazard mapping revealed tsunami risks.

While mitigation plans exist, alternatives may be explored if the site fails to meet safety standards.

OCD-NIR committed to providing monthly updates on the Kanlaon response.

The agency also announced that LGU funding proposals will now go directly to the Department of Budget and Management.

OCD is helping local governments develop tailored evacuation plans covering transportation, shelter and other logistics.

Data collection for these plans is ongoing.