BAGUIO CITY – For Baguio residents and visitors who will spend their yuletide season here in the Summer Capital, look for safer ways of merrymaking as total ban on selling of firecrackers will be in effect for the fourth consecutive year.
Mayor Mauricio Domogan, in the Department of Health- led kapihan launching the “Iwas Paputok” 2017 advocacy, gave his assurance that no permit will be issued for the sale and distribution of firecrackers in the city.
Domogan said that since implementing a total ban on selling of firecrackers in the city, cases of firecracker – related injuries have significantly decreased with the five cases recorded last year, the lowest number of cases so far.
The mayor again appeals to the public to celebrate Christmas and New Year happily and peacefully by looking into safer ways of making noise and merrymaking.
Keeping away from firecrackers, whether the legal or illegal kind, will save people from injuries and will lessen air pollution, he stressed.
City Health Services Office Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit Head Dr. Donnabel Tubera supported Domogan’s call for public support for a safe and healthy yuletide season.
Tubera reported that from 11 cases in 2015, firecracker – related injuries were down to five in 2016. However, most of the victims were children (5 to 9 years old) that are just passive users, or bystanders watching adults lighting firecrackers.
Baguio City Police Office Director SSupt. Ramil Saculles also assured that all firecrackers that will be sold in the city will be confiscated and cases of violations of the city ordinance would be filed against the sellers.
He also calls on the public to support the city government in pushing for a safer celebration of yuletide season and report to authorities selling of firecrackers in their respective barangays.
DOH is again leading the advocacy against the use of fireworks this yuletide season adopting the slogan “OPLAN: Iwas Paputok, Fireworks Display and Patok”. Featured in its advocacy posters are children using “torotot” (trumpets) and other safer things for merry making. /PIA CAR
