Strong waves and a government-issued gale warning have kept small fishing boats ashore in Pangasinan.

At 5 a.m. on July 20, PAGASA raised a gale warning over Pangasinan’s coastal areas.

The weather bureau warned that waves may reach up to four meters high, prompting the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) to closely monitor the situation and urge caution.

“Bawal pumalaot dahil malalakas at matataas ang alon sa dagat. Delikado ito sa mga maliliit na bangka,” Avenix Arenas, Assistant DRRM Officer of Pangasinan, said.

In Barangay Pantal, Dagupan City, fishermen made the most of the forced break by repairing gear and preparing their boats. They focused on fixing their "kunay" — traditional tools used to drive fish toward their nets — and checked their engines to avoid problems once sea conditions improve.

“Medyo maalon-alon pa sa dagat kaya alanganin pa kaming lumabas,” Edwin Eugenio, a fisherman, said.

The effects of the gale warning have rippled beyond open waters. Boatmen who ferry passengers across the river are also affected by the strong currents. With fewer people willing to ride due to safety concerns, they are left waiting by the riverbank.

“Mga tumatawid, takot din sila pag malakas ang agos. Kaya naglalakad na ‘yung iba,” Simplicio Calpo, a boatman, said.

Others have taken the time to repair damaged boats or simply continued fishing from the shoreline where the waves are more manageable.

Authorities continue to advise small vessel operators to stay on land until conditions improve.