TO PREVENT accidental injuries, environmental pollution and COVID-19 transmission during Christmas and New Year revelries, local government units (LGUs) should consider enacting and enforcing ordinances banning the use of firecrackers, fireworks and other pyrotechnic devices.
The adoption and implementation of such ordinances, we believe, will prevent a repeat of the bloody and dirty tradition of celebrating the holidays, and specifically heralding the New Year, with explosives and noxious fumes.
In this time of coronavirus pandemic, the safety of their constituents and the environment must be the priorities of LGUs. In fact, it is high time for the nation to put a stop to the gory headlines of children burning their skins, losing their fingers and having parts of their bodies amputated due to firecracker injuries.
Also, the ban on firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices that provide a few minutes of merriment with toxic consequences for humans, animals and the environment will discourage people from social crowding and avoid COVID-19 from further spreading.
Staging firework displays or lighting firecrackers will make physical distancing, a basic precaution against COVID-19, extremely difficult to enforce, especially on New Year’s Eve.
And yes, Republic Act 7183, which regulate and controls the manufacture, sale, distribution and use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices, penalizes violators with a fine of not less than P20,000 but not more than P30,000, or imprisonment from six months to one year, or both such fine and jail term.
For a cleaner, safer and COVID-free celebration of Christmas and New Year, it would be good for everybody to consider going for alternative noisemakers in lieu of firecrackers and fireworks. Also, remind children not to pick up dud firecrackers and sparklers.
Don’t fire guns. Shun customized PVC boga guns or cannons. And yes, use only quality-assured Christmas lights.
