The summer crowd enjoying Pangasinan’s beaches also brought in a surge of jellyfish sting incidents, with at least 57 cases recorded from April 17 to 20, 2025.
Most of the victims were beachgoers in Binmaley, Dagupan City, Alaminos City, and Lingayen.
“Mataas ang kaso ng jellyfish sting. Mayroon tayong 57 na kaso ng jellyfish sting,” Avenix Arenas, Assistant Officer of the Pangasinan Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, said.
Binmaley logged the highest number of cases with 27, followed by:
- Dagupan City with 15 cases,
- Alaminos City with eight cases; and,
- Lingayen with seven cases.
In response, the Dagupan City government implemented a no-swimming policy at Tondaligan Beach to protect the public.
However, some beachgoers still took a dip despite the warning. Authorities said they are doing their best to keep visitors safe, but not everyone listens.
“Ini-implement natin kaya lang siyempre 'yung iba hindi mo na masaway. Sinasabi na lang natin na maraming jellyfish at least hindi sa atin ibalik ang sisi,” Albert Gregorio, Administrator of the Tondaligan Ferdinand Blue Beach Park, said.
Other tourists chose to stay dry and simply relaxed by laying mats on the sand.
“Sabi nila bawal daw maligo kaya dito na lang, relax din naman kami,” Gette Sharie Dacanay, a tourist, said.
The City Health Office has stationed personnel near the beach to respond to emergencies. Health authorities also issued a reminder on how to treat jellyfish stings properly.
They advised not to pour urine on the sting site.
Instead, use vinegar to neutralize the toxins and immediately bring the patient to the nearest hospital for proper treatment.
