AUTHORITIES BEEF UP SECURITY FOR STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL’S MAIN EVENTS

March 8, 2025 Provincial

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet

To ensure public safety and smooth traffic flow, local police has expanded security measures for the upcoming main events of Strawberry Festival. In an interview, PLTCOL Zacarias Dausen, the municipal police chief said a Motorized
Anti-Street Crime Operatives (MASCO) have been deployed, increasing the number of patrolling teams from two to six. It focus on crime-prone areas such as Balili, Pico, Betag, Poblacion, Wangal, and Puguis, rotating hourly to cover inner barangay roads and provincial roads.

In a recent meeting, organizers together with local police focused on ensuring public safety for the civic parade set on March 18 (Tuesday) and the drum & Lyre, dance performances, and float parade on March 22 (Saturday). Police visibility and area security will be prioritized to maintain smooth event operations. The Civic Parade will run from KM6 to the Municipal Ground, while the Drum & Lyre and Float Parade will proceed from the Municipal Ground to
the BSU Oval.

Alternate traffic routes will also be provided for travelers along the Baguio-Halsema highway to ease congestion
during the events. Volunteer groups and non-government organizations will also be tapped to assist them for the events. Police a advised residents to secure their homes and vehicles before attending festival events by ensuring all windows are locked and valuables are not left in vehicles. The police have assured 24/7 awareness to ensure the safety of attendees, tourists, and locals throughout the celebration.

Hubert Balageo/ UB-Intern