Photo courtesy of PNA
DAGUPAN CITY — The local government trimmed this year’s Bangus Festival lineup amid rising fuel costs linked to tensions in the Middle East, officials said.
Despite the scaled-back program, the Bangusan Street Party, considered the centerpiece of the celebration, will push through on April 30.
Mayor Belen Fernandez said preparations were ongoing for the event, which is expected to feature about 20,000 pieces of bangus to be grilled and served along the main thoroughfare.
Participants will set up more than 1,000 grilling stations, each equipped with milkfish, charcoal, and other supplies for the activity.
The street party will also include live entertainment, with performances staged across multiple areas along De Venecia Road Extension.
Fernandez said security measures had been strengthened, noting that police deployment in the city had been increased, with additional support expected from regional units and civic groups.
She said the festival was simplified this year, with some activities such as the Gilon Gilon street dance competition removed due to higher fuel expenses.
Other events continued, including medical outreach services, the Bangus Rodeo, and culinary competitions, as the city maintained the celebration to support the local milkfish industry.