Five days since Taal Volcano rumbled and spewed ash over nearby provinces and cities, the eruption had already damaged P3.06 billion worth of agricultural crops, fish and livestock in the provinces of Batangas, Cavite and Laguna, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said on Monday. The DA said the volcano had damaged 15,790 hectares of farm lands and 1,967 animal heads. Most crops that were destroyed were high-value crops such as coffee and cacao, and included pineapples, coconuts, rice and other assorted fruits and vegetables. The biggest damage was incurred by the fisheries sector which lost an estimated P1.6 billion after 6,000 fish cages installed around Taal Lake, were left unattended by their owners. Fisherfolk around the volcano culture tilapia and “bangus” species there.

Ocampo, K. R. (2020, January 18). Taal damage to agriculture hits ₱3B. Philippine Daily Inquirer, p. A5.