Baguio execs ban sale, but not use of firecrackers

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – This summer capital is implementing a total ban on the sale of firecrackers.

Mayor Mauricio Domogan, citing statistics of injuries related to firecrackers and its ill effects on the environment, urged city residents here to unite in support of the total firecrackers ban. 

“We should learn that calamities which earlier struck the country are due to climate change; effects from our own doings to nature.  Thus, we should tone down on carbon emissions, and that include uncontained firecracker smoke from holiday celebrations,” he said.

 Domogan cited Davao City which has strict laws on the use of pyrotechnics.

Though selling of firecrackers in the city’s business establishments will be banned, the fireworks displays on Dec. 1, 24 and 31 are part of the month-long Golden Christmas in Baguio celebrations, where dealers could participate through bidding.  

A firecracker ban was supposed to be implemented here as early as 2011, but vendors appealed the ban.  The ban was deferred to this year.

Domogan said, this time there will be no more extension.

Residents here though will not be banned from popping out pyrotechnics bought from vendors outside the city.