Firecracker vendors told: Secure permits now

CEBU, Philippines — Firecracker vendors who wish to display their products at the South Road Properties (SRP) may now secure permits from government agencies.

Cebu City Councilor David Tumulak, chairman of the City Council committee on public order and safety, said vendors are required to get permits from the city government, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, and Department of Trade and Industry.

“Kutob sa mamaligya mo-comply sila as early as now and to coordinate sa atoang opisina para paghikay sa ilahang permit,” he said.

Once permits are acquired, vendors are allowed to display firecrackers at the vacant lot near the U-turn slot of the Cebu South Coastal Road from December 1 to December 30.

In Cebu City, the designated area for display and selling of firecrackers is at SRP.

Tumulak said those people caught selling outside SRP will be penalized for violation of City Ordinance 2290 and Republic Act 7183, the law regulating the sale, manufacture, distribution and use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices.

Also, he said vendors are not allowed to sell firecrackers without bearing Philippine Product Standard (PPS) marks on the products.

“Dili sila pwede mobaligya kung wala’y Philippine Standard markings, bawal ang unnamed firecrackers para sa paglikay sa disgrasya,” he said.

Moreover, city police along with city government officials will conduct inspection at the firecracker zone to check whether or not the vendors are following the rules and regulations.

Also, Tumulak anticipates fewer sellers due to tedious processes.

“This year, limited gyud, naa ma’y uban dili maka-comply specially on PS markings, atoa gyud na gipahingusgan nga it should be covered sa DTI. Ang mga allowable nga firecrackers ra ang ibaligya,” he said. — KBQ (FREEMAN)