Organizers have lined up more than 1,200 grills along De Venecia Highway Extension in Dagupan City for the much-awaited “Kalutan ed Dalan” this April 30 — the highlight of Dagupan’s Bangus Festival.

More than seven tons of bangus (milkfish) will be grilled at the same time during the event, according to the City Agriculture Office.

Authorities expect crowds to reach last year’s record of over one million people.

“Ini-expect natin na ganun din yung crowd na ating babantayan, so pinaghandaan natin talaga ‘to,” PLTCOL. Brendon Palisoc, Chief of Dagupan City Police Station, said.

Around 400 police officers will be deployed across the entire stretch of the highway, not including additional force multipliers.

A command post will also be set up with the help of other emergency responders to monitor safety.

Last year, police recorded incidents of pickpocketing during the event, which they hope to prevent this year.

“Paalala sa mga bisita natin na pupunta bukas, i-secure ang mga gamit natin. Huwag ilagay ang cellphone sa likuran ng bag,” Palisoc reminded the public.

The Bangus Festival Committee also urged everyone to be responsible and keep the venue clean.

“Sana huwag nilang iwanan ang kanilang basura para naman magandang tingnan after the Kalutan,” Committee Chairman Marcelino Fernandez said.

With security in place and preparations complete, Dagupan is ready to welcome locals and tourists for a day of grilled bangus, fun, and community celebration.