CITY OF MALOLOS – To avoid having pyrotechnic-related accidents, Bulacan officials together with the Philippine National Police (PNP) , Pyrotechnic Regulatory Board (PRB) and key stakeholders made sure that Bulakenyos will have a safe and peaceful holiday celebration in the province as an inspection of firework stalls in Turo, Bocaue, Bulacan was held on Monday.
Governor Daniel R. Fernando and Vice Gov. Alexis Castro together with PNP Chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez conducted inspections of firecracker and pyrotechnic stalls in Bocaue, Bulacan, as part of heightened preparations for the holiday season.
Known as the “Pyrotechnics Capital of the Philippines”, Fernando ensures that firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices’ manufacturers, dealers and retailers in Bulacan will comply with Executive Order No. 28 – Providing for the Regulation and Control of the Use of Firecrackers and Pyrotechnic Devices of the Republic Act 7183, which states that the use of fireworks and other related products are not totally banned but it only regulates the use of it to prevent accidents.
The governor said that firecrackers that are overweight and oversized which exceeds 1/3 teaspoon or more than 0.2 grams of net explosive ingredients are not allowed to be used and without proper regulation, it might also be hazardous to one’s health.
Nartatez said the inspection aims to ensure compliance with safety standards and protect the public during new year celebration.
“We would like to reduce ‘yung risks of death, loss of property at firecracker incidents,” he added.
Fernando also reminded Bulakenyos to be more cautious during this time specially when using firecrackers and guaranteed that sellers are compliant to the rules.
“Patuloy po natin ipinapakiusap na huwag silang gumamit ng mga bawal na paputok para hindi na makadisgrasya. Narito rin tayo ngayon para bantayan ang mga nagtitinda at siguraduhin na walang mga ipinagbabawal na mga paputok rito. Dagdagan po natin ang ating pag-iingat sa paggamit ng ano mang uri ng paputok,” Fernando said. (We continue to urge them not to use illegal fireworks to avoid accidents. We are also here today to monitor vendors and ensure that there are no illegal fireworks here. Let us increase our caution in using any type of fireworks.)
Meanwhile, Vice Gov. Castro said that the Sangguniang Panlalawigan already has a provincial ordinance in which the Provincial Government is focusing on further strengthening the fireworks industry in the province by supporting small and start-up fireworks entrepreneurs.
The Bocaue LGU headed by Vice Mayor Sherwin N. Tugna assures that they were 24/7 in monitoring the ‘colorum’ manufacturers and dealers in Bocaue town so that they cannot operate for the welfare and safety of every consumer and citizen.
The “No Testing and No Smoking” policies are being observed in the stall areas wherein owners are also obligated to put large containers filled with water for precautionary measures.
Meanwhile, according to Marissa Multo of EMHS Fireworks, the price of fireworks is lower now compared to previous years.
She said that fireworks sales were also better last year than now.
The list of illegal firecrackers identified by the PNP include Kabase, Bin Laden, Tuna, Kwiton Bomb, Atomic and Dart Bomb, Tuna, Coke in Can, Giant Atomic, Pla-pla, Piccolo, Kingkong, Goodbye Philippines, Goodbye Chismosa, Chritine, Carina, Ulysses, Yolanda, and Pepito.
