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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider LGUs urged to ban use of firecrackers during holiday season

LGUs urged to ban use of firecrackers during holiday season

Published Dec 1, 2021 05:57 pm

A toxics watchgroup is calling on the government to impose a ban on firecrackers in the upcoming holiday season to protect the environment and limit mass gathering amid the threat of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

EcoWaste Coalition, in a statement Wednesday, Dec. 1, particularly urged city and municipal mayors to pass or enforce ordinances prohibiting the use of firecrackers during the Christmas and New Year's Day celebrations.

"Banning the production, importation, distribution, sale and use of firecrackers will certainly reduce the number of firecracker-related injuries, as well as reduce the environmental pollution associated with the New Year revelry,” Thony Dizon, the group's chemical safety campaigner, said.

According to Dizon, the enforcement of such measure "will also be crucial in light of growing fears and uncertainties over the new Omicron COVID-19 variant."

"Regardless of the COVID-19 alert level assignments, we appeal to our communities to aim for drastically reduced injuries, wastes and emissions due to the blasting of firecrackers and fireworks during the holidays," he added.

The group cited information released by the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to help the public understand the health and environmental benefits of banning firecrackers.

Citing DOH's injury registry data from sentinel hospitals, the group said 122 firecracker-related injuries and one stray bullet injury were recorded from December 21, 2020 to January 6, 2021. This is 290 cases (70 percent) lower compared to 2019 figures and 469 cases (79 percent) lower than the five-year average (2015-2019).

On impact in air pollution, the DENR also recorded a substantial drop in particulate matter (PM10) in Metro Manila from an average concentration of 213 micrograms per normal cubic meter (ug/Ncm) on January 1, 2020 to 87 ug/Ncm on January 1, 2021 – a 59 percent reduction – due to the firecracker ban in the metropolis.

While community fireworks display with permits from the local government unit is allowed under Executive Order 28, series of 2017, the group called on the public and private sectors to use allocated funds for alternative activities.

"Instead of burning money for a few minutes of fireworks display, we urge both the public and private sectors to use available funds for activities that will truly add holiday cheer such as food packs to families most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Dizon said.

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