LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – Governor Amado I. Espino III formally opened this year’s celebration of Pista’y Dayat (Sea Festival) which is undoubtedly Pangasinan’s “Mother of All Festivals,” recently at the Capitol Beachfront.
In his message, the governor urged Pangasinenses to unite and exert more effort in helping promote local tourism among their families and friends.
Vowing to continue all programs and projects of the past administration spearheaded by his father and mentor, former governor and now the 5th District Representative Amado T. Espino, Jr., the young Espino noted that the present administration has endeavored to level up the yearly celebration of Pista’y Dayat so as to maintain the tourism promotion and entertainment side of it with an added sidelights of livelihood opportunities for local entrepreneurs and even those from other neighboring provinces who participated in the annual tourism and trade expo.
In stating this, Gov. Espino said the success of the event will only be determined at the end of all activities via the reactions and feedbacks of Pangasinenses themselves who have witnessed and experienced the different activities that were lined up top be enjoyed by everyone from all walks of life.
Furthermore, the governor encouraged all visitors to the tourism and trade expo to take as much ‘selfies’ as they can, post them on social media, and spread praises and good words about how wonderful and beautiful Pangasinan is.
The opening program started with a motorcade followed by an opening prayer that was officiated by Fr. Rendrix B. Rabago of Our Lady of Lourdes in Salasa, Bugallon town.
The program was followed by the opening and blessing of the 11th Pangasinan Tourism and Trade Expo booths numbering to 162 to include participants from the provinces of La Union, Ilocos Norte, Tarlac and Nueva Ecija.
Guests were also entertained by the lively performances of the Capitol and Basista Orchestras on the night of the opening day.
This year’s tourism and trade expo is located at the Capitol Beachfront beside the Capitol Resort Hotel.
Different food and clothing products are now on sale along with plants and various agricultural crops.
Aside from this, queues of food stalls are likewise available at the area. For entertainment, nightly activities will be experienced from the opening up to the last day which is on May 2.
The opening of the Pista’y Dayat 2018 was also graced by Pangasinan First Lady Karina P. Espino and various department heads. By Dexter A. See