The heat is drying up some fishponds in Mangaldan, Pangasinan, forcing bangus (milkfish) farmers to use water pumps to keep their ponds from running dry.

Bangus producer Greg Bautista who manages a fishpond in Barangay Maasin, said maintaining water levels is crucial to keeping thousands of fingerlings alive.

“Nilalagyan ito ng tansi tapos water pump para papasok ang tubig,” Bautista said.

Mangaldan has over 500 hectares of fishponds spread across Barangays Maasin, Salan, and Talogtog.

While some ponds have started to dry up due to the heat, the Samahan ng Magbabangus sa Pangasinan (SAMAPA) assured that the bangus supply remains stable, especially with Holy Week approaching.

“We are confident, the groups are confident about the numbers. Rest assured na ang production natin so far as the bangus Pangasinan production ay okay tayo,” SAMAPA President Aldo Sibayan said.

The local agriculture office continues to monitor affected bangus farmers and is prepared to provide assistance if needed.