Farmers in Barangay Lanas, Mangaldan, Pangasinan are on alert after pests attacked their rice fields, leaving yellowing leaves and raising fears of poor harvests.

Some farmers said they have already sprayed pesticides several times but saw no improvement in their crops. They worry the pests may have also reached the grains, which could result in fewer and lighter yields.

“Kung ganito ang mangyayari, malugi kami. Kaunti ang ani, tapos ‘yung butil maliliit, magaan pa,” Rudy Ogoy, a farmer, said.

The Mangaldan Municipal Agriculture Office confirmed the outbreak as bacterial leaf blight (BLB), a common rice disease.

“Kadalasan nangyayari ito kapag madalas pagkatapos ng bagyo. Malakas ang hangin, naggagasgasan ang mga dahoon, nasusugat ang dahon, doon nagkakaroon ng entry ang bacteria,” Manuel Aquino, the rice coordinator, said.

The agriculture office is monitoring the situation seriously to determine the extent of damage. It also urged farmers to consult agricultural technicians before spraying pesticides to ensure proper treatment.

“Kaya kung i-treat ang ganitong uri ng sakit, magtanong sila sa ating agricultural technicians or sa mga agricultural supply para alam nila kung ano ba ang dapat na i-spray sa mga naapektuhang palay,” Aquino added.

Officials assured farmers that they are ready to provide assistance to those affected.