Despite calm seas and clear weather in Dagupan City, Pangasinan, local fishermen in Barangay Bonuan Gueset said their daily catch has dropped drastically over the past few days.

Ramon Meneses, a fisherman, said they used to bring home several kilos of assorted fish, but lately, their nets have come up almost empty.

“Konti-konti lang makukuha nila. Noong nakaraan marami, pero ngayon, di pa alam kung meron,” Meneses said.

He shared that some of his fellow fishermen only caught about three kilos of mixed fish the previous day, which they had to divide among six people, barely enough to sell or feed their families.

Because of the poor catch, some residents have turned to collecting shellfish from the shore to sell for about P50 per pail, while others keep their small catches for family meals instead of selling them in the market.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Dagupan Station, the province may experience rainy weather over the weekend due to a developing low-pressure area (LPA) near extreme Northern Luzon.

“So, pagtaas po nitong bagyo, asahan natin na magkakaroon po tayo ng gale warning o pagtaas ng baybaying dagat natin,” Engr. Jose Estrada Jr., chief meteorologist of PAGASA-Dagupan City, said.

Fishermen are worried that the approaching weather disturbance might once again keep them from going out to sea.