DAGUPAN CITY (PIA) – With local and foreign visitors planning to travel to tourist destinations during Semana Santa, the City Tourism Office of Alaminos, Pangasinan gears up to accommodate the expected 10,000 daily tourists during the Holy Week observance.

City Tourism Officer Miguel Sison said in an interview they have the support of every department, including the City Health Office, the Philippine National Police, and the Coast Guard, among others to ensure the safety and security of the visitors. 

Sison added, “We assure the public that we have security measures in place for them. We have our sea ambulance, and medical teams will be assigned to different islands and stations.”

He said the city government of Alaminos will implement the “Drop off and Pick up” scheme, a measure implemented during peak tourist seasons, particularly during events like the Holy Week.

This policy regulates the number of visitors allowed on the Hundred Islands and restricts their stay to three islands per day.

He explained that visitors will be dropped off at a maximum of three islands daily and will be picked up after a 30-minute time limit per island for activities such as picture-taking and other recreational activities to ensure smooth traffic flow and minimize overcrowding on the islands.

Because of the policy, Sison said the rental fees of the boats had been reduced.

He disclosed, “The rental rates for small boats will be reduced to P1,400 from the regular price of P1,600, while medium boats will cost P1,800 instead of the usual P2,000. Additionally, large boats will be available for P2,000, down from the standard rate of P2,400. However, this service will not be available after Holy Week, and rates will revert to normal.”

Meanwhile, Sison advised the public to be careful and for tourists to be responsible to mitigate potential risks.

He stressed the importance of taking care of personal belongings, such as gadgets and money, as the tourism office is not responsible for any loss or damage to personal property.

He said, “Exercise caution while on the island, as jellyfish or stonefish can be dangerous. Avoid venturing too far into the rocks.”

He added there is a coverage fee in case of emergencies such as being bitten or stung by jellyfish or stonefish, and they will reimburse the expenses incurred.

Further, beachgoers are also reminded to stay out of the water if they have consumed alcohol or have recently eaten. (JCR/MJTAB/JCDR/PIA Pangasinan)