Interior Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. has called on local government units (LGUs) to strictly enforce their respective ordinances banning the use of harmful firecrackers. This measure aims to ensure safe New Year revelries for everyone. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has reported that there are 1,210 primary-level LGUs with ordinances in place to prohibit the use of harmful firecrackers in their localities.
Abalos emphasizes the importance of LGUs taking the lead in ensuring that citizens stay away from the dangers of firecrackers during the holiday season. He commends the 35 LGUs that have already complied with his recent call to pass ordinances on firecrackers. By enforcing these ordinances, these LGUs are taking proactive steps to guarantee a safe and injury-free celebration for their constituents.
To achieve their goal of safe and injury-free festivities, LGUs must ensure that the provisions of the firecracker ordinances are implemented at all levels, including the grassroots. This comprehensive approach will help minimize the risks associated with the use of harmful firecrackers.
The distribution of firecracker ordinances across different regions in the Philippines is as follows: Region 1 has 94, Region 2 has 84, Cordillera Administrative Region has 56, and Region 3 has 108. The National Capital Region has 17, Calabarzon has 126, Mimaropa has 67, Region 5 has 63, Region 6 has 102, Region 7 has 91, Region 8 has 127, Region 9 has 66, Region 10 has 86, Region 11 has 23, Region 12 has 37, and Region 13 has 63.
The list of prohibited firecrackers includes popular ones such as Five Star, Pla-Pla, Piccolo, Goodbye Philippines, Goodbye Bading, Giant Bawang, Watusi, Atomic Triangle, Judas’ Belt, Super Yolanda, Super Lolo, and Coke-in-Can. These firecrackers pose significant risks and are therefore banned to curb revelry injuries.
In anticipation of the New Year celebrations, Anakalusugan party-list Rep. Ray Reyes has issued an appeal to the Department of Health (DoH) and LGUs to intensify efforts in preventing firecracker-related casualties. Reyes urges Filipinos to explore alternative ways of making noise to welcome the year 2024, rather than relying on firecrackers.
The DoH recently reported the first case of firework ingestion, involving a 4-year-old boy who swallowed a Watusi. The department warns parents not to place Watusi within the reach of small children, as they often mistake it for candy due to its size and color. Watusi contains yellow phosphorus, potassium chlorate, potassium nitrate, and trinitrotoluene (TNT), making it a deadly substance.
In case of an emergency, the DoH advises the public to bring the patient to the nearest emergency room as soon as possible. Additionally, the department provides home remedies for accidental Watusi ingestion, including not inducing vomiting, administering 6-8 raw egg whites for children and 9-12 for adults, washing the affected areas with clean water if the skin is affected, and seeking fresh air if inhaled.
By strictly enforcing firecracker bans and promoting alternative ways to celebrate, LGUs and the Department of Health are working together to ensure a safe and enjoyable New Year celebration for all Filipinos. Let us all embrace these measures and prioritize the well-being of our communities during this festive season.
Source: The Manila Times
