A group of environmentalists on Wednesday urged local officials to impose a nationwide ban on firecrackers to keep people safe from pollutants and injuries amid the threat of the Omicron COVID-19 variant.
“Banning the production, importation, distribution, sale, and use of firecrackers will certainly reduce the number of firecracker-related injuries as well as reduce the environmental pollution associated with the New Year revelry,” said Thony Dizon, Ecowaste Coalition chemical safety campaigner.
The coalition also supports the government-led Ligtas Christmas sa Healthy Pilipinas campaign and is calling on local government units to pass and enforce ordinances prohibiting firecrackers as the Christmas and New Year festivities near.
Dizon added the enforcement of such measures would also be crucial in light of the growing fears and uncertainties over the new COVID-19 variant.”
“Regardless of the COVID-19 alert level assignments, we appeal to our communities to aim for drastically reduced injuries, wastes, and emissions due to the blasting of firecrackers and fireworks during the holidays,” he said.
While community fireworks display is allowed under Executive Order 28 of 2017, the public and the private sector must use their money for alternative activities, he said.
“Instead of burning money for a few minutes of fireworks display, we urge both the public and private sectors to use available funds for activities that will truly add holiday cheer such as food packs to families most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic,” he stressed.
He said Ecowaste has already appealed to the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases since last year.