Pangasinan welcomed 2026 with prayer, family bonding, and festive celebrations, as residents gathered in different towns to mark the New Year with hope for renewal and positive change.

In Lingayen, a New Year’s Eve Mass was held at the Provincial Capitol Complex on Wednesday night as part of the province’s official welcome for 2026. The Mass centered on the theme “pasimbalo,” which means renewal.

Auxiliary Bishop, Most Rev. Fidelis Layog of the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan, called on the faithful to pray for change in the new year.

“We pray for change, especially sa kultura natin at sa mga isyung may kinalaman sa corruptio,” he said.

Many devotees said they came to pray for personal and family intentions. Maria Shiela Bartolome, who is pregnant, said she prayed for her family’s safety and good health.

“Nagdasal po ako para sa maayos na kalusugan at para sa safety ng pamilya ko ngayong darating na taon,” she said.

Others also offered prayers for national concerns. Miko Cruz, another devotee, said he hopes long-standing issues in the country will be addressed.

“Ipinagdarasal ko po na maayos na ‘yung mga problema ng bansa, lalo na ‘yung tungkol sa flood control,” he said.

After the Mass, the sky above Lingayen lit up with a fireworks display, which organizers said symbolized new hope and a fresh start for the year 2026.

In Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan, families welcomed the New Year with simple activities before their Media Noche. One family organized fun games such as balloon popping and challenges using clothespins, turning the celebration into a bonding moment.

Marie Grace Manlincon said spending time together mattered more than lavish preparations.

“Simple lang po ang handa, pero ang mahalaga masaya at magkakasama ang pamilya. Wish ko po sa 2026 ay patuloy kaming maging buo,” she said.

Meanwhile, in Dagupan City, residents welcomed midnight with a massive fireworks display along Perez Boulevard. Around 20,000 firecrackers were lined up and ignited, stretching nearly 50 meters, drawing crowds who waited to witness the spectacle.

Some residents chose safer alternatives to welcome the New Year, using car horns, party blowers, and loud speakers instead of firecrackers.

Across Pangasinan, celebrations may have varied in form, but residents shared the same wish, to begin 2026 with hope, unity, and a renewed sense of purpose.