Pangasinan authorities on heightened alert for Pista'y Dayat on May 1

Provincial disaster management and rescue teams in Pangasinan went on heightened alert Thursday for the annual Pista'y Dayat (Sea Festival) on May 1, Friday.

 

Local authorities expect some 80,000 people - several of them beachgoers - to take part in this year's celebrations, GMA Dagupan reported.

 

On heightened alert were the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, Water Search and Rescue (WASAR), and Philippine Coast Guard.

 

The PDRRMC ensured more lifesavers at the beach, while the WASAR teams went around the beach and reminded people to keep safe.

 

Also, the PDRRMC said it will enforce the "no swimming policy" after 6 p.m., and will not likely grant extensions even if Friday is expected to be festive.

 

The 6 p.m. cutoff was aimed at preventing people from swimming at night and encountering big waves.

 

"Pag ganoong mga oras ay medyo mataas at malalaki na ang mga alon sa dagat at medyo pagabi na yun, delikado na," said PDRRMC spokesperson Avenix Arenas.

 

In last year's feast, some 50,000 people went to the province to take part in the celebrations between April 30 and May 1. This year's event may see 80,000 guests at Lingayen Beach. — Joel Locsin/ELR, GMA News