Just hours before the New Year countdown, shoppers packed the Mangaldan Public Market in Pangasinan, turning the area into a sea of people as families rushed to buy food for their media noche. Vendors and buyers described the crowd as unusually heavy, prompting local authorities to tighten security and traffic control.

Stalls selling fruits and vegetables were jammed with customers, making it difficult for many to move or choose items.

“Mas marami talaga ngayon, kahapon kaunti lang, ngayon sobrang siksikan,” Gloria Navarro, a vendor, said.

A shopper, Nestor Arabos, echoed the same concern.

“Siksikan, ang hirap mamili ngayon,” he said.

To manage the surge, the Mangaldan Task Force cleared vendors who set up stalls along walkways and regularly reminded shoppers to stay alert against possible theft.

Police also increased their presence in the market area. Mangaldan Police Station chief PLtCol. Perlito Tuayon said authorities focused their attention where crimes are most likely to happen.

“Sa market doon talaga ang binabantayan natin kasi doon posibleng magpunta ang mga magnanakaw,” he said.

Despite the crowd, officials reported no price hikes for round fruits, vegetables, and meat in Mangaldan. However, traffic along Rizal Avenue slowed as more vehicles arrived, prompting the deployment of additional traffic enforcers.

In Laoag City, a similar New Year rush unfolded, with round fruits selling fast, mostly by the basket. Buyers said bulk purchases were cheaper than per piece. Vendors noted that fruit prices rose by about 20 percent due to higher demand ahead of the holiday.