SAFE FIRECRACKER USE. Executive Assistant Ernesto Pineda (right), head of Task Force Paputok 2019, with representatives of member-agencies and units, discusses the guidelines on the sale and use of firecrackers and pyrotechnics in Bacolod City, in a press conference on Wednesday (Nov. 20, 2019). At least 68 vendors have applied for special permits to sell during the Christmas and New Year holidays. (Photo courtesy of Bacolod City PIO)
BACOLOD CITY -- The city government launched the multi-sectoral Task Force Paputok 2019 here on Wednesday to coordinate the sale of firecrackers and its safe use to minimize injuries during Christmas and New Year holidays.
Acting Mayor El Cid Familiaran on November 11 issued Memorandum No. 160, directing Executive Assistant III Ernesto Pineda to head the task force.
In a press conference held at the old City Hall, Pineda said the area behind the Pope John Paul II Tower at the Reclamation Area remains to be the only designated place for the sale of firecrackers and pyrotechnics in the city.
At least 68 vendors have applied for special permits to sell with a fee of PHP1,500.
“All firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices sold outside the designated area will be considered illegal,” Pineda said.
He urged the vendors to observe the proper guidelines in selling, standard quality, and correct labeling of the firecrackers and pyrotechnics.
Pineda also appealed to the public and the village officials to observe the prescribed and designated community zones for the use of firecrackers.
Dr. Anna Maria Laarni Pornan of the City Health Office said they aim to further lower firecracker-related injuries this year, following a downtrend in the past three years.
In 2016, a total of 36 cases were recorded while in 2017, there were only 17 cases. The injuries further dropped to 15 in 2018.
Pineda said the significant decrease shows the successful information campaign of the agencies and units involved, including the media, on the safe use of firecrackers and pyrotechnics.
Memorandum No. 160 was signed when Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia flew to South Africa to attend the World Summit of Local and Regional Leaders convened by the United Cities and Local Governments early this month.
During the press launch, Pineda was also joined by representatives of other member-agencies, including the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, Bacolod Traffic Authority Office, Bacolod City Police Office, Bureau of Fire Protection, City Treasurer’s Office, City Legal Office, Department of Public Services, and Liga ng mga Barangay. (PNA)
