CEBU CITY – The use of firecrackers on Christmas and New Year holidays will be prohibited in Talisay City, southern Cebu.
Talisay Mayor Gerald Anthony "Samsam" Gullas Jr. on Friday, Dec. 24, announced that the city has not authorized its local fire department to grant permits to firecracker sellers.
"We also didn't authorize the establishment of a "firecracker zone" in our city. With that, we are declaring a firecracker ban for the Christmas and New Year holidays. This is to ensure that we have a safe celebration for our holidays," said Gullas.
Gullas also instructed the fire department and the police to confiscate firecrackers being sold in the streets and those being sold in commercial establishments.
Gullas pointed out that the firecracker ban is needed as it would be difficult to respond to fire incidents due to the scarcity of water that the city is experiencing following the devastation caused by typhoon Odette.
The dried leaves and branches from toppled trees and gasoline being stored by some residents for generator sets could easily catch fire if it gets in contact with lit firecrackers.
Instead of firecrackers, Gullas encouraged his constituents to use horns, whistles and other noisemakers during the Christmas and New Year revelries.
"I understand that you want a lively celebration for Christmas and New Year but we can always celebrate it without the need to use firecrackers," Gullas said.