The local government units of Caloocan and Navotas Cities reminded on Monday, Dec. 26, the residents of the prohibition and regulation on the usage of firecrackers and fireworks for a safe celebration of the New Year.
“Para po manatiling ligtas ang pagsalubong ng Bagong Taon, bawal po ang paggamit ng anumang paputok or fireworks alinsunod sa Executive Order No. TMT-060 (To keep a safe welcome for the New Year, the use firecrackers or fireworks is still banned in accordance with Executive Order No. TMT-060),” the Navotas City government said.
Under Executive Order No. TMT-060, signed by former Navotas City Mayor Tobias “Toby” Tiangco in December 2020, firecrackers and similar types were banned in the city to reduce injuries and casualties caused by the pyrotechnic devices.
The order was also passed to ensure the observance of Covid-19 health and safety protocols among residents during the surge of the disease in 2020.
The city government said that by not using pyrotechnic devices, residents may also prevent fire incidents. It also reminded the city residents to immediately bring individuals who were hurt due to firecrackers to the nearest hospital in their area.
Meanwhile, Caloocan City Mayor Dale Gonzalo “Along” Malapitan said on the same day that the use of firecarckers and fireworks in the city is being regulated under Executive Order No.0332-22.
The executive order, which was signed by Malapitan on Dec.1, 2022, also urges the chairmen of the city’s barangays to identify and designate areas as fireworks display zones in their respective localities during the Yuletide season and New Year celebration.
Malapitan said that those who already have identified the zones in their barangays may coordinate with the Office of the City Administrator three days prior the fireworks display. They should also provide details including the whole address of the fireworks display zone/ area, time and date of the event, and measures to ensure safety of the residents during the activity.
He also directed the Caloocan City Police Station, Bureau of Fire Protection Caloocan, Caloocan Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, and the City Health Department to ensure the strict implementation of the executive order.
Malapitan and the Navotas City government both encouraged the residents of their cities to use alterative devices such as “torotot” (party horns), whistles, kitchenwares, sound systems, among others.