By Gabriela Baron
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte on Saturday, Dec. 24, issued an Executive Order (EO) banning private households from using firecrackers and staging their own fireworks displays for New Year’s eve celebration.
“The use of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices shall be confined only to fireworks displays in public places with a valid clearance secured from the Department of Public Order and Safety,” the EO read.
EO No. 54, S-2022 also regulates the manufacture, sale, and distribution of firecrackers in the city.
Belmonte noted the 47% increase in the number of firecrackers and fireworks-related emergencies and injuries in 2021 due to the unregulated and indiscriminate use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices.
The mayor said the ordinance is meant to minimize the number of firecracker-related injuries and casualties, protect homes, commercial buildings, and other establishments against incidental fires, as well as to lessen the harmful effects of hazardous chemicals and pollutants.
