Ruined crops and little to no source of income, doubled unpaid care work and worsening health conditions are the new normal for some communities in the Municipality of Camalig, Albay.
Oxfam Pilipinas and MIDAS/Mayon Integrated Development Alternatives and Services, Inc. visited the barangays of Caguiba, Sua, and Tumpa to conduct a rapid assessment on the impacts of the drought on communities heavily affected by the recent #MayonAshfall and now facing the added burden of the ongoing dry spell.
Residents shared that most of their crops were damaged and dried up due to thick ashfall from Mayon Volcano. Farmers are forced to sell their crops at a much lower price just to cope with losses, while some sought other sources of income to support their families.
With the extreme heat continuing, farming activities and planting schedules have also been delayed. Women also highlighted how unpaid care work at home has doubled as their families struggle with water shortages, food insecurity, worsening health conditions, and the agricultural loss and damage brought by both hazards.
Farming and fishing communities remain among the most vulnerable to the impacts of drought. We are working with partners, affected communities and local governments in Bicol and in Mindanao to identify activities to anticipate and prepare for the severe impact of #ElNiño.
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(Photos: Julia Padilla/Oxfam Pilipinas)
Published on 23 May 2026
