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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DILG: Shun use of firecrackers for New Year revelry

DILG: Shun use of firecrackers for New Year revelry

Published Dec 31, 2023 05:12 am
DILG LOGO (MB FILE PHOTO )
(DILG)

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) urged the public on Sunday, Dec. 31, to celebrate the New Year in the safest way possible, devoid of the use of firecrackers.

Instead of lighting up firecrackers at home or in public places, the DILG urged the people to use other alternatives to make noises like the blowing of vehicle horns or clanging kitchen pans to greet the New Year.

It has been a tradition in the country to make noises as part of the New Year celebration supposedly to drive away evil spirits.

To ensure public safety, the DILG advised the public to proceed to areas hosting fireworks displays which are handled by experts and supervised by the local government units (LGUs).

At home or in public places, the DILG advised the public to use horn-shaped trumpets or blow the vehicles’ horns, home appliances, turn on music using speakers, bang drums and shake piggy banks filled with coins to make loud sounds.

DILG Secretary Benjamin "Benhur" Abalos Jr. reiterated his call for the public to exercise extreme caution and observe safety measures for a trouble-free celebration of the Holiday season.

He called on all LGUs to enact ordinances that ban the use of firecrackers and fireworks displays and instead. 

He pushed for the holding of supervised fireworks display in the LGUs' designated and common areas where the public can watch the traditional New Year’s revelry.

He asserted that his call can help decrease fireworks-related accidents and untoward incidents during the holiday season.

In 2017, then-President Rodrigo Duterte signed Executive Order 28, banning fireworks in households or places of residence nationwide, stressing that only community fireworks displays supervised by licensed individuals are allowed.

Abalos urged the LGUs to replicate the same measure, which is still being implemented by other local governments such as Davao City and Quezon City.

The DILG explained that the objective of the ban is to minimize firecracker-related injuries in the coming New Year's Eve celebration.

Further, Abalos prodded all the LGUs to replicate the firecracker ban like what Davao and Quezon City had enforced.

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