(Filed by 104.7 iFM News  Dagupan)

Parents told: Never let children touch firecrackers

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Dagupan City called on parents not to let their children touch any firecracker during the holiday season for their own safety, noting that firecrackers can cause accidents and even fires if the users are careless.

BFP urged parents to keep their children, especially the toddlers, in their homes during the incoming traditional New Year revelry and even not to let them watch firecracker explosions and the lighting of fireworks as accidents may happen anytime that may endanger their livers,

Rather than exploding firecrackers and lighting fireworks, the public is being encouraged by the agency to just blow plastic trumpets or “torotots” that also produce ear-splitting sounds with the same effect as ordinary firecrackers. (Aaron Navelgas)

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All-out dredging of Pangasinan rivers to start soon

The ship that will dredge the Limahong Channel from its mouth and all other rivers in Pangasinan has arrived, signaling the imminent start of the all-out rehabilitation of all rivers to ensure a faster flow of floodwaters to the sea during the rainy season.

The Pangasinan provincial government stated that all rivers in the province have already become silted, with sediments accumulating in their mouths over the years. This constricted the flow of water to the Lingayen Gulf during heavy rains, causing the water to overflow and bring flooding to residential areas.

According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, along with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, Environmental Management Bureau, and the Department of Public Works and Highways, for the plan, the all-out clearing of rivers in Pangasinan underwent thorough, comprehensive evaluation by a Technical Working Group of an Inter-Agency Committee of the Pangasinan provincial government. (Aaron Navelgas)

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Devotees pack Calasiao’s church

Thousands of Catholics packed the Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Calasiao, Pangasinan, on December 24, the last of the nine-day Misa de Gallo (Dawn Mass) novena this year. Those who could not be accommodated inside the church heard the mass outside.

According to the priest celebrant, the last of Misa de Gallo is important because it is here where the devotees entrust their faith in the Lord and pray for good health, peace, and blessing for their respective families.

The homily of the priest centered on thanksgiving, faith, and perseverance amid various challenges faced by the Filipinos. (Aaron Navelgas)

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Prayers for good health, blissful life by Manaoag devotees

Family solidarity tops among the prayers of devotees who went to mass at the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Manaoag on Christmas Day.

In an interview by IFM News Dagupan, devotees said they not only prayed for  their own personal gratification but also for their whole family, while others thanked the Lord for giving  them good health and a blissful life,

One Erwin Villanueva is hoping to have all the family members dine together for Noche Buena, while Raquel from Pampanga asked for continuing good health for her and her loved ones.  (Mathew Pacheco)

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Search for missing boy still on in Lingayen Beach

An 11-year old boy who was declared missing while swimming in Lingayen beach in Barangay Libsong, Lingayen, is yet to be found, according to the police.

Initial investigation stated that it was 1:00 a,m, when the boys and their friends agreed to swim at Lingayen Beach. But while in the water, the boy was swept to the deeper portion of the sea and never surfaced. His companion immediately reported the matter to his parents.

Authorities immediately conducted a search and rescue operation but up to this writing, the boy or his body has not yet been found. They continuously appealed to the public to be careful when swimming in the Lingayen Gulf. (Joana de Vera)

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Dagupan City target: Zero casualties

Officials of Dagupan City and from other government agencies expressed hope for zero casualties during the coming New Year revelry when they signed their names in a commitment wall as part of the “Oplan: Iwas Paputok Ligtas Christmas 2025” campaign on December 23.

The campaign aims to attain Zero Casualty up to the New Year  under the theme “Buhay ay Ingatan, Paputok ay Iwasan.” Participants encouraged people to blow plastic trumpets instead than exploding firecrackers or using fireworks to prevent any accident.

Mayor Belen Fernandez said the Dagupan City government made available 4,000 plastic trumpets to be blown simultaneously by the people on the eve of the New Year,  rather than exploding firecrackers. (Joana de Vera)

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Hundreds flock to Tondaligan Beach daily

The Tondaligan Beach in Dagupan City is now being flocked by hundreds of visitors daily, ahead of the New Year. The visitors were holding parties and reunions, and others are trooping to the beach to take a dip, just leisurely walk in the water and breathe fresh air from the sea.

The Dagupan City government ensures that lifeguards are on duty to save beachgoers who may swim up to the deeper portion of the sea.

Vendors are now enjoying brisk sales because of the big holiday crowds gathering at the Tondaligan Beach. (Joana de Vera )

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Binmaley Catholic Cemetery up for reconstruction

The complete reconstruction of the Binmaley Catholic Cemetery will start in January 2026 under the Our Lady of Purificacion  Parish.

Parish Cemetery Coordinator Catalino Parocha said apartment style of Columbarium will be built to ensure a more organized setting inside the cemetery. Part of the plan is the construction of a new chapel and a memorial wall.

Parocha asked residents who have dead relatives entombed in the cemetery for understanding, admitting that while people are opposing the project, more are supporting and endorsing it. (Joan a de Vera)