DOH seeks help of LGUs sans EO against firecrackers
FOILED of its plan to regulate the selling and use of firecrackers and pyrotechnics nationwide, the Department of Health (DOH) is now tapping local government units (LGUs) to help them minimize the number of firecracker-related injuries in the coming holiday season.
In a press conference, Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial called on LGUs to come out with their own ordinances that will regulate the use of firecrackers while also promoting the holding community pyrotechnics display.
“We are campaigning hard for the regulated use of firecrackers in the entire country,” said Ubial.
“At the same time, we are strongly pushing for our campaign for the holding of commu- nity fireworks display and have everybody in the barangays participate and join instead of use fireworks at their homes,” she added.
DOH proposal
It can be recalled that the DOH had proposed the signing of an Executive Order (EO) that will regulate the use of firecrackers and pyrotechnic products similar to the Davao City ordinance promulgated in 2002.
The EO’s signing was, however, delayed and is now expected to take effect by September 2017 after the proposal was deemed as already being “late” since manufacturers have already finished making the products in time for the New Year revelry this year.
And for those who will not heed their call, the health chief warned that the DOH is prepared to publicly identify come Jan. 5.
Ubial said they are set to have a “shame campaign” versus LGUs that will fail to take action to prevent firecracker-related injuries during the holiday season.
“This is a shame campaign on which LGU will not be helpful. We will identify them on Jan. 5. This early, we are calling on all the local chief executives to please do your part in this campaign to prevent injuries among children and our people,” said Ubial.
To be included in the list, she said, are those that will have the highest number of injuries reported as well as the absence of community fireworks display.