ALAMINOS CITY, Pangasinan, Philippines — Excitement is brewing among residents of this city as preparations go full swing for the “Ban-oitan (fishing) Festival” which highlights the 6th anniversary of the turn-over ceremony of the Hundred Islands National Park (HINP) from the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA) to the City of Alaminos.

The festivities tomorrow serve as a call to Pangasinan folk to practice only legal fishing methods to protect the environment and boost eco-tourism.

Mayor Hernani Braganza said the Ban-oitan or sport fishing competition is a good way of promoting the use of traditional fishing methods for livelihood.

“We hope to fully promote and make this game fishing activity another major event and tourist attraction in our city,” Braganza, adding that the event has three categories – the heaviest single catch; and the longest catch; and the heaviest total catch, a team event.

In the future, he envisions the Hundred Islands National Park to be the Game Fishing Sports Center in the province.