Farmers in Mangaldan, Pangasinan are working early each day to protect their young rice plants from golden apple snails (kuhol), which have been attacking fields with excess irrigation water in Barangay Lanas.

While rice growth remains good, generally, farmers say the problem worsens when water becomes too abundant in the paddies.

Cardo Cerezo, a farmer, explained how fast the pests can wipe out young plants.

“Siyempre mauubos talaga ‘yang palay kapag maraming kuhol. Kapag kaunti ang tubig, hindi masyadong maraming kuhol, pero kapag sagana sa tubig, andami talaga,” he said.

Farmers said they control the snails immediately to protect the rice leaves and newly transplanted seedlings. If left unmanaged, the infestation can result in low harvest and reduced production.

The Mangaldan Municipal Agriculture Office said farmers already know the proper steps to manage the pest because the interventions were previously taught to them.

Rice Coordinator Manuel Aquino said the situation is under control.

“Kahit papaano, mabuti at naaagapan at na-control na, hindi na masyadong makapaminsala lalo na sa iba pang barangay,” he said.

To further support local farmers, the Department of Agriculture (DA) has distributed more than 2,400 bags of fertilizer under the Rice Production Fertilizer Support Program. The allocation, worth around ₱3 million, aims to boost rice production in the town.

The municipality also distributed fertilizer to the local tobacco growers’ cooperative as part of its ongoing assistance programs.