Metro Manila Council urges public to enjoy community fireworks displays

The Metro Manila Council (MMC) on Friday urged the public to refrain from using fireworks in their homes and instead enjoy the community fireworks display of some local government units.

According to Saleema Refran and Mav Gonzales’ report on “24 Oras”, several cities in the National Capital Rgion banned the use of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices for  New Year’s Eve celebration including San Juan, Manila, Marikina, Makati, Quezon City, and Taguig.

The LGUs are conducting fireworks displays and year-end programs.

"Kung ang LGU (local government unit) mismo ang magiging host ng fireworks display, kayang siguraduhin ng mga mayors na mayroon tayong bumbero,” said San Juan Mayor and MMC President Francis Zamora in Saleema Refran and Mac Gonzales’ report on “24 Oras”.  

(If the LGUs will host the fireworks display then the mayors can assure there will be fire responders.)

“Mayroon tayong emergency responders. Mayroon tayong pulis at professional ang magiging fireworks display operators natin. Ito ang magiging dahilan na maging ligtas ang pagsalubong sa bagong taon,” Zamora said.

(There will be emergency responders. All police and professionals will operate the fireworks display. They can assure public safety.)

Meanwhile, the Caloocan City government designated firecrackers zone where residents will be allowed to use firecrackers. 

“Nag-allot kami ng apat na location for firecracker zone. Based on past experience wala na ganong firecrackers. Mostly fireworks pailaw. Tsaka mga fountain,” said Caloocan City Barangay 67 District 2 Councilor Joel Regala.

(We alloted four areas as firecrackers zone. Based on past experience, there is a few cases of people using firecrackers, mostly they are using fireworks. )

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte ordered a strict implementation of the firecracker ban in the city and urged residents to attend an organized countdown celebration at the Quezon Memorial Circle, according to a statement released on Friday.

The ban, which was imposed by Belmonte through Executive Order No. 54 in 2022, only allowed fireworks in public places within approval of the city government and prohibited private households to hold displays and use firecrackers. —Sundy Locus/NB, GMA Integrated News