City sets steps to reduce firecracker incidents
As in the past, the city government has initiated measures to curb firecracker-related incidents during the Holiday season.
City Administrator Antonio Orendain Jr. said City Hall has authorized the sale of firecrackers and pyrotechnics by only nine local dealers who have been duly permitted by Camp Crame to engage in such kind of business venture.
Orendain said the 9 dealers are considered as the only legitimate sellers of these firecrackers and pyrotechnics that are now in demand in preparation for the New Year revelry.
He said the controlled sale of the firecrackers is primarily to help stem incidences of firecracker accidents as well as to prevent the entry of smuggled firecrackers that may be more dangerous and unsafe.
These dealers are located downtown such as Veterans Avenue, Camino Nuevo, Gen. Alvarez and La Purisima Street.
For the past several years now, the city government has been regulating the sale of the firecrackers and pyrotechnics with the end in view of minimizing if not eradicating cases of firecracker-related accidents, according to Orendain.
Meanwhile, the City Health Office as early as before Christmas has started the massive advocacy on the effects of the use of firecrackers during the revelry on New Year’s Day.
City Health Officer Rodel Agbulos said his office is advocating the other noise-making but non-harmful paraphernalia such as “torotot” or horn, tins or pots instead of the harmful firecrackers.
However, if it cannot be avoided, Agbulos advised the residents to practice extra caution in handling firecrackers. He said children should not also toy with firecrackers without the supervision of parents. “Also please refrain from using firecrackers if one is under the influence of liquor”.
It has been the tradition of most Filipinos to welcome the New Year with a big bang by exploding firecrackers and pyrotechnics. It is the common belief that noise and clatter drive away bad luck or evil spirits. (Sheila Covarrubias)