The San Juan City local government announced on Wednesday, June 18, the designation of a “basaan zone,” where the traditional dousing of water, in celebration of the Wattah! Wattah! Festival will only be allowed on June 24.
In a media interview, Mayor Francis Zamora said San Juan City Ordinance No. 14 passed to prevent incidents of chaos and unruliness by some San Juaneños during the festivities from happening again.
He said the basaan zone will be along Pinaglabanan Road, between N. Domingo and P. Guevarra Streets. The water-dousing tradition will be permitted only from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The mayor also stressed that dousing water outside the designated zone is prohibited.
“So magiging maliwanag po sa lahat na kung wala kayo sa basaan zone, bawal mambasa,” Zamora stressed.
The city government also banned several activities during the festivities, including using dirty water, opening of vehicles to douse their occupants, hurting or scaring individuals, climbing over and shaking of vehicles, and the unauthorized use of firetrucks and highly-pressurized water sprayer.
In addition, a liquor ban will be imposed on June 24 from 12:01 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Zamora said residents and visitors can expect increased police visibility in the city to ensure peace and order during the celebration. (Patrick Garcia)
