SAN AGUSTIN, PILI, CAMARINES SUR – The Department of Agriculture Regional Office in Bicol prepares for any eventuality after the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) raised Mayon Volcano’s Alert Level from 2 to 3 on Thursday.

As early as Monday, June 5, DA Bicol Executive Director Rodel P. Tornilla activated the Mayon Quick Response Team and designated the Albay Breeding Station (ABS) in Cabangan, Camalig, Albay as Livestock Evacuation Center.

Livestock raisers within the six-kilometer danger zone are advised to evacuate their carabaos, cattle, horses, goats and other ruminants to the ABS where drugs and biologics, vitamins and mineral blocks for livestock as well as ropes and animal feeds were already prepositioned. Rice, corn and vegetable seed reserves are also being maintained. Animals can also be brought to Local Government Unit-designated animal evacuation centers in Muladbucad Grande, Pequeño, and Masarawag in Guinobatan; and Nasisi in Ligao City.

Hauling trucks were previously stationed at the ABS and at the DA Research Outreach Station in Tabaco City to help in the transport of animals and crops.

Farmers are advised to harvest all harvestable crops with the aid of nine Rice Combine Harvesters previously distributed by DA Bicol to farmers’ cooperatives and associations in Albay. Farmers may also avail of the services of the three Rice Processing Centers (RPC) established in Balinad and Balangibang in Polangui, and in Maporong, Oas, Albay.

There are 25,457 RSBSA-listed rice, corn and coconut farmers in the eight municipalities and cities along the 6-8 kilometer danger zones, namely Camalig, Ligao City, Tabaco City, Daraga, Guinobatan, Legazpi City, Malilipot and Sto. Domingo. (Lovella P. Guarin – DA RAFIS 5)