BACOLOD City — In a proactive move to safeguard residents this holiday season, the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) has approved a resolution directing all city government offices and the 61 barangays to intensify public awareness and community-based campaigns against the use of dangerous firecrackers.
The measure aims to strengthen the implementation of “Oplan Kontra Paputok” and similar safety initiatives throughout the Christmas and New Year festivities.
Councilor Atty. Caesar Distrito, author of the resolution, said the move underscores the city government’s commitment to protecting the public from firecracker-related injuries and accidents, which historically surge during the holiday period. With families preparing for year-end celebrations, officials stressed the need for responsible practices that prioritize health and safety.
He noted that national agencies such as the Department of Health (DOH), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Philippine National Police (PNP) annually launch “Oplan Kontra Paputok” to curb firecracker-related incidents.
The city seeks to reinforce these national efforts through localized programs and more aggressive grassroots campaigns, the resolution stated.
Despite repeated warnings and safety drives, reports of injuries and fire incidents caused by firecrackers continue to surface nationwide each year. This recurring trend, the council observed, highlights the need for stronger enforcement and wider public education to prevent avoidable harm.
Local Government Units (LGUs), including Bacolod, are seen as crucial partners in these efforts. By mobilizing city offices and barangays, the resolution aims to deepen community involvement and encourage safer alternatives to traditional celebrations, such as regulated pyrotechnic displays or non-explosive festive activities.
The city’s 61 barangays, considered the frontline of community governance, will play a central role in implementing the campaign. Barangay officials are expected to lead information drives, conduct monitoring, and help enforce existing firecracker regulations within their jurisdictions.
The resolution also calls for expanded information campaigns using social media, posters, public announcements, and barangay assemblies. By utilizing multiple communication platforms, the city hopes to reach more households ahead of the festivities.
Schools, civic groups, and youth organizations will likewise be encouraged to take part in the advocacy. Their involvement is seen as essential in cultivating a culture of safety among children and young adults, who are often most at risk of firecracker-related injuries.
City officials expressed confidence that a unified, citywide approach can significantly reduce cases of injuries, fires, and property damage linked to firecracker misuse. They emphasized that community cooperation remains key to the success of any public safety campaign.
As the holiday season approaches, the city government urges residents to support the intensified “Oplan Kontra Paputok” initiatives. Officials reiterated that safe and responsible celebrations will help families welcome the New Year free from harm and preventable tragedies.
According to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)–Bacolod Fire Station, the city recorded four firecracker-related fire incidents in 2024./PN
