A total of P1.9 million in agricultural losses due to ash fall events on Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Island was recorded, according to data from the Negros Occidental Office of the Provincial Agriculturist.

Most crops affected by the ashfall are “palay” (rice) and high value crops.

One of the municipalities affected severely by the ashfall is La Castellana in the Province of Negros Occidental.

“Tina-try na namin sila check sa mga crop insurance. Kung may mga product na hindi affected, tinutulungan namin i-market. Monitor kami ng price na hindi tumaas,” according to Dina Genzola, officer in charge of the Provincial Agriculturist’s Office.

One of the farmers affected heavily by the series of ashfall events is Nico Baylon.

Some crops he had harvested were rendered unprofitable.

“Ang mga dahon, nabalot siya ng abo. Ang ginagawa namin, hinuhugasan namin ng tubig para hindi matuyot at tini-trim namin,” Baylon.

However, the public has been warned by health authorities to avoid consuming crops exposed to the ashfall because of possible health risks.