Mayon ashfall damages farms in Albay, DA moved to aid farmers

Author: DA Press Office | 9 May 2026

Ongoing activity from Mayon Volcano has caused serious damage to rice, vegetable, and high-value crops in Albay, threatening the livelihoods of hundreds of local farmers.

Preliminary assessments by the Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Field Office V show that 102 hectares of crops within the 6 kilometer radius area have been damaged, resulting in production losses of 364 metric tons. This has affected 228 farmers, with estimated financial losses reaching P13.02 million.

Livestock losses include 33 heads of cattle. Another 534.39 hectares of farmland within the PDZ-including 335.26 hectares of corn, 179.51 hectares of high-value crops, and 19.62 hectares of fruit trees-remain at risk.

Full assessment of these areas is not yet possible due to safety restrictions. Additional damage and losses are expected as DA teams continue field validation.

The DA is mobilizing immediate relief and recovery measures, Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said. "We are prioritizing seeds, fertilizers, farm tools, and financial support to help rice and vegetable farmers recover," said Tiu Laurel. "Our teams are monitoring affected areas and coordinating with local governments to ensure timely aid, while protecting livestock through evacuation and health checks."

DA RFO V has already established 27 animal evacuation sites, currently housing more than 1,000 livestock. The DA has also distributed feeds, ropes, masks, and veterinary supplies, and is closely monitoring the prices and movement of agricultural commodities in affected towns.

Further interventions include P49 million in agricultural inputs, fingerlings from BFAR V, livestock supplements, 18,470 metric tons of rice from the National Food Authority, zero-interest loans through the SURE Program, and indemnification of insured farmers via the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp.

Lava flows continue along Basud (3.8 km), Bonga (3.2 km), and Mi-isi (1.6 km) gullies, accompanied by minor strombolian eruptions. On May 5, a 300-meter ash plume drifted northwest to west-southwest, with a sulfur dioxide flux of 2,184 tonnes per day. Entry into the 6-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) remains strictly prohibited.

The DA DRRM Operations Center continues to provide updates on Mayon's activity and advises farmers and residents to follow official advisories. Officials said the department remains committed to supporting Albay's agricultural communities as the volcano remains active.### (By DA - OSEC Comms)