Pyrotechnic competition set for August 5

Pyrotechnic manufacturers in Lapu-Lapu City will again be able to showcase their products in a competition two days before the 2016 Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Asia-Pacific Championship on August 7, Sunday.

Mayor Paz Radaza said this will be the fifth year the city government will hold a pyrotechnic competition called “Pyromania” which will take place in Sitio Mangal, Barangay Punta Engaño on August 5.

“We will showcase the excellent works of our manufacturers in the City,” she said.

Close to 10 groups of pyrotechnic manufacturers from Barangay Babag will join the competition.

Barangay Babag is known to be the “Fireworks Capital of Cebu” and one of the top suppliers of pyrotechnics in the region.

Radaza disclosed that there have been no fire incidents due to the fireworks in the city this year.

“With this, based on our latest check with the City’s Bureau of Fire Protection, there had been no cases of fire reported that are related to fireworks this year,” she said.

While Radaza admits there were minor explosions in the past years caused by fireworks, they consider it a lesson for all the pyrotechnic-makers that they should be more careful in handling their products.

“This business is risky. That is why, we have Republic Act Number 7183, to regulate this. This is to avoid injuries, death and damage to properties caused by fireworks,” she added.

“We have implemented measures to avoid any untoward accidents again, such as zoning in the manufacturing and displays of fireworks, to their necessary permits in occupancy, or permit to operate,” she added.

If creators of pyrotechnics will not obey with the city government’s strict measures, Radaza said their business permits will be revoked or cancelled. —