ILOILO City – Firecracker and pyrotechnic vendors are allowed to sell this holiday season but only in three designated display zones.
Mayor Jerry Treñas issued Executive Order (EO) 190 regulating the sale, distribution, manufacturing, and use of fireworks and other pyrotechnic devices.
Setting off firecrackers during the holiday season, especially when welcoming the New Year, is an age-old Filipino tradition. Without this, the celebration seems incomplete. For the enterprising manufacturers, it is a good source of income.
Under Treñas’ directive, vendors may set up kiosks along the Circumferential Road C1 in Arevalo district, on the corner of the East Coast Iloilo-Capiz Road and the Circumferential Road in Jaro district, and along Muelle Loney Street in the City Proper.
Vendors, however, must first secure special permits from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), from the Business Permits and Licensing Office of city hall, and from the Firearm and Explosive Office of the Police Regional Office 6 in Camp Delgado.
Fireworks and pyrotechnic devises display areas shall be separated from one another by a firewall with a fire resistance rating of not less than two hours, as determined by the BFP.
Shopping malls and other similar establishments shall not be utilized as display zones for selling fireworks and pyrotechnic devices.
The display areas must have fire extinguishers.
Smoking within 15 meters from the display center is prohibited.
Testing of fireworks and stoves, explosives flames and electrical heaters are also not allowed.
Meantime, a portion of the Iloilo Esplanade in Barangay Progreso, La Puz district, properly delineated and marked, has been designated as the authorized venue for fireworks/pyrotechnic display during the Dinagyang celebration in January next year as well as future events and festivities.
Moreover, under EO 190, the following types of fireworks and pyrotechnic devices are prohibited:
* those whose net explosive ingredient contents exceed 1/3 teaspoon
* those that endanger life and limb, such as atomic big triangulo, super lolo, and their equivalent as determined by the Philippine National Police and BFP
* those that use sulfur and/or phosphorus mixed with chlorates
* those sold without the necessary permits and licenses
* Class 4 fireworks and pyrotechnic devices sold to and used by persons not qualified as licensed pyrotechnicians and/or licensed fireworks display operators.
Among others, the order stipulated that manufacturers, dealers, and retailers of fireworks and pyrotechnic devise are prohibited from selling to anyone below 18 years of age./PN
