Mandaue prohibits use of firecrackers

Local

AS FAMILIES celebrate Christmas and New Year, Mandaue City is taking a firm stance against the use and sale of firecrackers, joining Cebu City and Lapu-Lapu City in enforcing strict regulations to prevent accidents and fire hazards.

Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano reminded residents that firecrackers remain strictly banned under existing ordinances.

“Di ta mo-allow ana diri,” Ouano said, emphasizing that authorities will take immediate action against anyone violating the law.

He noted that areas like the North Reclamation Area, where vendors and buyers have traditionally gathered, are not designated zones for firecracker activities, adding that illegal use continues only because some residents persist in the practice despite the ban.

Violators in Mandaue City risk fines ranging from P20,000 to P30,000 or imprisonment of six months to one year, under Republic Act 7183, which regulates the manufacture, sale, distribution, and use of firecrackers nationwide.

Ouano also addressed proposals to establish special firecracker zones but said enforcement would remain challenging.

“Realistically, even if there is a designated area, people will not necessarily limit their use to that zone,” he said.

In Cebu City, Mayor Nestor Archival has confined fireworks—pyrotechnic displays meant for visual effects—to Pond F at the South Road Properties (SRP) through Executive Order 47, effective from Dec. 18 to Jan. 1.

Only vendors with permits from the Business Permits and Licensing Office may operate.

Fireworks are prohibited in hospitals, schools, daycare centers, public parks, marketplaces, and within 50 meters of hospitals, schools, and churches.

The SRP area covers 2.8 hectares, with safety measures including six-meter spacing between stalls, “No Smoking” signs, fire extinguishers, water, and sand.

A standby fire truck has been deployed for emergencies.

Archival stressed that centralizing fireworks sales allows easier monitoring and safeguards children, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities.

On Mactan Island, Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Ma. Cynthia “Cindi” King-Chan issued Executive Order 72-A, regulating fireworks sales along the Mactan Circumferential Road from Barangay Canjulao to Barangay Babag until 11:59 p.m. of Dec. 31.

Authorized vendors must meet spacing and safety standards, secure barangay endorsements and clearances, attend fire safety seminars, and ensure minors do not assist or stay in stalls.

Non-compliance may result in confiscation of goods or revocation of permits.

Multiple city offices, including the Business Permit and Licensing Office, City Treasurer’s Office, City Traffic Management System, Bureau of Fire Protection, and barangay units, are monitoring compliance and enforcing safety measures.

Authorities continue to urge residents to follow firecracker and fireworks regulations, reminding the public that tradition cannot come at the expense of safety.(MyTVCebu)