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MANILA, Philippines – The EcoWaste Coalition on Tuesday called on local government units (LGUs) to ban firecrackers, fireworks and other pyrotechnic devices this Christmas season amid the pandemic.
In a statement, the group’s chemical safety activist Thony Dizon urged officials to impose ordinances that will ban firecrackers and fireworks for the New Year festivities.
“With the safety of your constituents and the environment in mind, we urge our city and municipal officials to quickly enact ordinances prohibiting the use of firecrackers, fireworks and other pyrotechnic devices to celebrate the New Year,” said Dizon.
“We believe that the adoption and implementation of such ordinances will prevent a repeat of the bloody and dirty tradition of announcing the New Year with explosives and noxious fumes,” he added.
The EcoWaste Coalition also warned officials that displays of firecrackers and fireworks can cause a possible violation of physical distancing.
“[T]Banning firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices that provide a few minutes of joy with toxic consequences for humans, animals and the environment will discourage people from social overcrowding and prevent COVID-19 from spreading further, ”noted Dizon .
President Rodrigo Duterte previously said that he is considering imposing a total ban on the use of fireworks in 2021 – a policy that has already been adopted in the city of Davao.
“I was toying with the idea of doing it like Davao. Let’s do it this way: at least you still have a year left. Perhaps next December I will ban fireworks, ”Duterte said, speaking in part in Filipino, in his weekly address.
The group reiterated its call for a total ban on firecrackers and fireworks, especially the piccolo and the luminous trumpet of fire. According to them, both pyrotechnic devices were illegally sold in some retail stores for P45 per box of 20 pieces and P10 per box of 10 pieces.
“These cheap but very dangerous firecrackers have started to reappear in some sari-sari stores in Metro Manila,” Dizon said.
The Department of Health (DOH) in January reported a decrease in the number of injuries related to firecrackers and fireworks. Among the 164 cases registered throughout the country, 13 were caused by piccolo.
“It’s about time the nation put an end to the gory headlines of children burning their skin, losing their fingers, and having body parts amputated due to firecracker wounds,” said the EcoWaste Coalition.
To ensure a safe and COVID-free New Year, the group encouraged the public to observe the following reminders:
1. Use only quality guaranteed Christmas lights with valid ICC stickers.
2. Opt for alternative noisemakers instead of firecrackers and fireworks.
3. Remind children not to pick up ineffective firecrackers and flares.
4. Don’t fire weapons.
5. Avoid custom PVC boga guns or barrels.
6. Do not release balloons or sky lanterns.
7. Never burn used tires.
8. Don’t burn trash.
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