Metro mayors agree to designate common fireworks areas

MANILA, Philippines - The mayors of Metro Manila, under the Metro Manila Council (MMC), on Monday agreed to put up common areas in barangays where residents can light firecrackers and fireworks on New Year’s Eve.

In a resolution, the metro mayors said that after the New Year’s Eve celebration last year 58 percent of those reported injured by firecrackers were from Metro Manila,  or about 345 cases.

“The setting of a common fireworks display zone in every barangay in Metro Manila will provide a safer environment for celebrating the Christmas season, New Year and other celebrations wherein proper guidance on the use of firecrackers can be provided,” the resolution read.

Meanwhile, the Metro mayors also assured that there would be a stricter implementation of the law banning the sale of dangerous and powerful firecrackers.

According to the mayors, majority of those reported injured by firecrackers, were victims of powerful firecrackers such as Five Star and Pla Pla.

“Majority of the reported cases were due to the use of firecrackers piccolo, kwitis, Five Star and Pla Pla, firecrackers not allowed for distribution, sale and use, based on Republic Act 7138, which provides for the regulation and control of manufacture, sales and distribution and use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices,” the mayors said in the MMC resolution.