CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan — “We believe that safety and prosperity could be both achieved if we have clear rules, proper implementation, and responsible manufacturers, dealers, and users of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices.”
This was the message of Governor Daniel R. Fernando during the inspection of fireworks stalls together with Philippine National Police Chief PGen. Benjamin C. Acorda, Jr., Vice Gov. Alex Castro and Vice Mayor Atty. Sherwin Tugna in Santiago Compound in Barangay Turo, Bocaue on Friday (Dec. 29).
The governor stressed that he supports the measures to stop the manufacture, sale, and use of prohibited firecrackers which are extremely dangerous and a threat to the safety of the citizens.
But he added that he also stands for the protection and continuous advancement of the pyrotechnic industry in the country which if used correctly, is an important part of the culture and tradition.
“Thousands of workers depend on this industry to provide for their families so please, let us hear them out. Kasabay po nito ang ating pagsusulong ng madisplina at maingat na paggamit ng legitimate at quality firecrackers na bahagi ng ating pagdiriwang ng Bagong Taon,” the governor said.
Meanwhile, Acorda believed that the strict enforcement of the rules and regulations are important to ensure compliance and care for the environment and, above all, for everyone’s life.
“Nais nating tiyakin na lahat ay sumusunod sa ating responsibilidad na bumili at magbenta ng mga produktong dekalidad at naaayon sa kaligtasan ng lahat. Ipinapangako namin sa lahat ng Pilipino, na ang PNP, kasama ang mga LGU at ahensya ng gobyerno, ay naririto bilang mga tagapangalaga ng kasiyahan at kaligtasan ng lahat,” the PNP chief said.
Acorda reported that the PNP responded to 36 incidents of illegal possession, use, and sale of firecrackers and confiscated 28,754 firecrackers amounting to P244,113.
He also shared that the DOH logged 87 firecracker-related injuries and casualties.
Following Executive Order No. 28, series of 2017, and Republic Act No. 7183 of 1992, Fernando issued Executive Order No. 36, series of 2023 entitled “An Order Providing for the Regulation and Control of the Use of Firecrackers and Pyrotechnics Devices in the Province of Bulacan” which contains the list of prohibited firecrackers, community fireworks display, prohibition of minors, and strict inspection procedures.
Meanwhile, Edna D. Dizon, Department of Trade (DTI) Assistant Regional Director and Provincial Director of Bulacan told UnliNews Online that there were a total of 15 licensed manufacturers with Philippine Mark (PS) licensed holders in Bulacan for fireworks as of December 11.
”Nabawasan ngayon kaysa last year o baka yung iba ay naka-pending pa,” Dizon added.
The Police Regional Office 3 bares list of firecracker and display zones.
A total of 234 firecracker and display zones are found in Aurora- 15, Bataan -3, Bulacan -61, Nueva Ecija- 28, Pampanga -24, Tarlac- 63, Zambales- 40; and 113 fireworks display zones broken down as follows: Aurora- 2, Bataan -4, Bulacan -29, Nueva Ecija- 28, Pampanga -11, Tarlac- 10, Zambales- 27, Angeles City-2. (With a report from Jason Estrada/UnliNews Online)
