THE Philippines is not yet ready for a total ban on the use of firecrakers for the holiday revelry in the next few nights, the authorities admitted Tuesday.
“The Philippines might not be ready for this policy. We’ll see next year because this requires a long information dissemination especially for those making firecrackers as they may have already purchased components abroad,” PNP chief Ronald dela Rosa told a news briefing at Camp Crame.
Health Undersecretary Gerardo Bayugo also echoed the government’s stance to hold the issuance of an executive order imposing the nationwide firecracker ban, saying they still need to consider many factors before imposing this policy.
“I have to agree because this administration came midway, even the production and investment, these will disrupt industry concerns,” Bayugo said in a Palace press briefing.
Bayugo said that they are also looking at the effects of a possible EO, if implemented, on the livelihood of pyrotechnic manufacturers.
Meanwhile, Environmentalist Ecowaste Coalition on Tuesday urged the people, especially young children and teenagers, not to spend their “aginaldo” (Christmas gifts) they have received to buy firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices.
The group made the appeal as the number of firecracker-related injuries rises as the New Year celebration draws near.
It noted that most of the victims in last year’s revelry were young people.
“We would like to again remind our kids and teens that firecrackers are not toys. Please don’t be tempted to spend the money given by your godparents and others to buy banned piccolo and other firecrackers, which can put your lives in danger,” said Aileen Lucero, Ecowaste national coordinator.
Based on the latest report from the Department of Health, 500 of the 920 firecracker-related injuries involved children less than 14 years.
Among the top fireworks that caused injuries were piccolo (42 percent), kwitis (11 percent), lusis (6 percent) and 5-star (4 percent). Unknown firecrackers accounted for 11 percent of the injuries recorded.
“We also appeal to all conscientious vendors not to sell firecrackers to kids and teens who are most prone to accidental injuries. The life you save maybe that of your own son or daughter. There must be a safer way to earn money during the holidays without jeopardizing the wellbeing and future of our youth,” Lucero said.
The group also reiterated their appeal to households and commercial establishments to donate the money set aside for firecrackers and fireworks to charitable causes.
“Instead of burning money for dangerous, deadly and dirty firecrackers and fireworks, please make donations to the victims of typhoon Nina in the affected provinces in the Bicol and Southern Tagalog regions,” Lucero suggested.
“Our little acts of charity can alleviate the sufferings of the Christmas typhoon victims.”
Today (Dec. 28), Ecowaste in coordination with animal welfare groups, will hold a “Pet-A-Thon” at Quezon Memorial Circle to encourage the public not to use firecrackers for the sake of animals who suffer a lot from the loud, ear-splitting noise.
On Friday, the group will also organize a community parade in Barangay Project 6, Quezon City to show off alternative pollution-free noisemakers for the New Year revelry that can be used in lieu of firecrackers.
During last year’s New Year revelry, a fire broke out in Tondo, which according to Manila Fire Department, caused by a firecracker. The blaze destroyed 1,000 houses and P10 milion worth of property.