A quieter,
more solemn, and more importantly, a safer Christmas season is expected for
Muntinlupeños this year as the City Government has enacted a ban on the use of
firecrackers and pyrotechnics within city limits for the rest of the year.
Mayor Jaime
R. Fresnedi recently signed Executive Order No.15 banning the display, sale,
use, and distribution of firecrackers for the duration of the Christmas and New
Year season in an attempt to reduce injuries and the threat of fires that
usually come with the traditional revelry.
“We want to
make this Christmas season safer and more meaningful for everyone,” Fresnedi explained.
“With firecrackers getting more powerful and dangerous every year, we want to
ensure that Muntinlupeños will welcome the New Year in a healthy state.”
The City
suffered 18 injured and one death related to firecrackers at the start of 2013,
based on reports from the City Health Office (CHO). Health authorities,
together with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) recommended for a total ban
in view of the potential for injury as well as the hazards brought by noise
pollution and toxic byproducts of firecrackers and pyrotechnics.
Muntinlupeños
need not despair, however, as fireworks displays in non-residential areas are
allowed, provided that a permit from the BFP Fire Marshal and the Philippine
National Police (PNP) is secured.
A licensed and
authorized technician must be on hand to directly supervise the fireworks
display, and fire protection and first aid equipment must be readily available.
The nearest fire station must also be notified whenever a fireworks display is
to be held.
Fresnedi likewise recommends a better alternative to buying firecrackers this year. “It would be better instead of spending our hard-earned money on firecrackers, we can send it to help survivors of the Yolanda disaster. Instead of wasting our finances, let’s contribute to helping our kababayan rebuild their lives,” he said.
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