DOH pushing LGUs for firecracker ban

The Department of Health (DOH)7 is asking the local government units (LGU) to institute measures banning the use of firecrackers to further support the national policy.

DOH-7 Head Dr. Jaime Bernadas said they still received several reports of injuries during the Christmas revelry, despite the issuance of Executive Order 28 that limits the use of firecrackers and endorses the holding of community fireworks display.

“For the past four years, we had been advocating for the total ban of firecrackers. We are already holding campaigns on discouraging people for its use, especially the prohibited ones to prevent accidents,” Bernadas said.

There are already some LGUs in Luzon that declared a total ban on firecracker use. These LGUs did not designate a place for fireworks or pyrotechnic display.

Benefits outweigh the risks, said Bernadas, who also told local officials that prohibiting the use of firecrackers is advantageous to the public since it reduces the risks of getting injured.

He feared that the number of cases of injuries due to firecrackers may even increase leading to the New Year's Day celebration since, as practiced by many, people commonly use firecrackers to scare off evil spirits and welcome good energy and luck.

Bernadas said the implications brought about by the use of firecrackers only bring misfortune and tragedy like the harm it causes to people or fire incidents.

Instead of celebrating, people end up losing some of their body parts and suffering from burns, he added.

In Central Visayas, at least 13 firecracker-related injuries were reported this month and majority of these cases were recorded in Cebu province. Last year, surveillance records show there were 12 cases.

Bernadas admitted there is still no significant difference between the figures of the injuries recorded on the same period in 2016 and 2017, even with the issuance of a national regulation.

The policy limiting the use of firecrackers to community fireworks display is supported through Executive Order 28, signed last June 20, 2017, stipulating the regulation and control of the use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices.

But based from observation, Bernadas said the sound of blasted firecrackers during Christmas was lesser compared to the previous years.

He urged families, especially adults, to use wisely their money by buying healthy foods, instead of firecrackers.

Meanwhile, the Mandaue City Government will designate areas for pyrotechnics and fireworks, said acting Mayor Carlo Fortuna. He will also ask the barangays to recommend a venue fit for the use of the said items.

In a press conference, Fortuna said that they have recorded zero-injuries from firecrackers in the city during the recent Christmas celebration.

He also encouraged Mandauehanons to use "torotot" or paper trumpets as a way to welcome the new year.

"We encourage people to avoid lighting firecrackers to avoid injuries," Fortuna said.

Mandaue City Police Office Deputy City Director for Operations Jimmy Aguisanda said they conducted information dissemination to the residents that they should refrain from using firecrackers for safety purposes and to keep them away from harm or incidents related to fire.

"Mag rekorida mi as part sa among informationdissemination, encouraging them to use torotot," Aguisanda said.

As to Fortuna's statement on barangays to be the one to look for potential place for pyrotechnics and fireworks, Aguisanda said they can coordinate with the barangays about the matter.

"One or two areas if suitable sa fireworks display," he said.

Fortuna on the other hand, said they have yet to identify areas but will soon make necessary announcements.

In January this year, during the celebration of New Year's Eve, at least three separate fire incidents erupted in the city.

A warehouse in Barangay Looc caught fire after a sky lantern reportedly landed in the said area, while residential areas in Barangays Guizo and Maguikay were gutted down due to faulty electrical wirings.