The Department of Agriculture (DA) Bicol has already taken proactive measures to mitigate the effects of Bulusan Volcano’s eruption to the agriculture sector in Sorsogon.

DA Bicol Regional Executive Director Rodel P. Tornilla has activated the agency’s 24/7 monitoring and coordination using the web-based Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) geo-spatial information system. Banner program coordinators, report officers, and their local government unit (LGU) counterparts are assessing the situation in vulnerable areas particularly those engaged in rice, high value crops, coconut, and corn production. To mitigate crop damage, DA Bicol has also pre-positioned essential agricultural equipment such as combine harvesters.

To prevent livestock losses, DA Bicol has designated the Sorsogon Dairy Production and Technology Center as evacuation center for livestock.

Based on DA Bicol’s initial progress damage report as of 3 p.m. on May 7, 2025, the volcanic eruption has damaged a total of 1,559.23 hectares of crops equivalent to P3.96 million-worth of losses. These include 1,518 hectares of coconut, 26.20 hectares of high value crops, 14.53 hectares of abaca, and 0.50-hectares of cassava.

Bulusan Volcano is currently under Alert Level 1 or low-level unrest. This puts Brgy. Buraburan, Brgy. Cogon, Puting-Sapa, and Guruyan in Juban as well as Brgy. Bolos in Irosin, and Brgy. Tulatula Sur in Magallanes, Sorsogon at risk of ash fall that can contaminate and damage agriculture, fisheries, and livestock pastures.

The evacuees were already sent home last May 3, 2025. Stilll, DA Bicol advises farmers, particularly those along the six-kilometer danger zone, to be prepared with their supply kits, first aid kits, power bank, radio, extra batteries, cash, and tools. In case of another hazardous volcanic activity, immediately follow the advice of proper authorities. Moreover, DA urged livestock farmers to bring their animals to the nearest animal pooling site or animal evacuation center, provide silage and water, administer vitamins, and conduct inventory of their farm animals. (Annielyn L. Baleza, DA RAFIS V with reports from Zyra B. Floriano, DA RFO 5 DRRM and AMIA DA RFO 5)

Photo Credits: DA RFO 5 DRR Unit and AMIA DA RFO 5