DOH pushes for law banning use of firecrackers

MANILA, Philippines - Withe the New Year celebrations nearing, the Department of Health (DoH) said it will push plans to rush legislation banning all fireworks and firecrackers. In a press conference for the launch of the "Kontra Paputok" (anti-firecracker) program, Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III said Monday the department will send a position paper to Congress appealing for the passage of the ban. "We are going to submit to Congress a position paper to ban fireworks as we have seen that even the legal kinds of fireworks are very dangerous. As far as we are concerned, all fireworks are illegal," said Mr. Duque. Local government units have been asked by the DoH to designate fireworks areas and banning fireworks in residential areas. The DoH said it has conducted consultations with the fireworks industry on the issue. Mr. Duque said fireworks manufacturers were worried of possible losses under the proposed ban. "We’re discussing the phase-out [of the firecracker industry] and phase-in [of new livelihood]," Mr. Duque said, adding microfinance institutions may be approached for alternative livelihood financing. He said other agencies like the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and Department of Labor and Employment will be asked to help to craft alternative livelihood programs for fireworks makers. Changes to Republic Act 7183, which regulates the sale, manufacture and distribution of firecrackers and other pyrotechnics, have been proposed by the DoH since last year. The proposed changes include the delisting of watusi, small triangular, el diablo (labindator) and whistle bombs from the list of allowable fireworks. Meanwhile, the DoH noted that while firework related accidents in 2007 were 33% lower than the 2006 record, many of the injuries were caused by legal fireworks. According to the National Epidemiology Center, there were 853 fireworks-related injuries on Dec. 21, 2007-Jan. 5, 2008. The top fireworks that caused injuries were kwitis, piccolo, luces, five star and whistle bombs. Of these, only piccolo and kwitis are illegal. Thirty-five percent of those injured were 10 years old and younger. — Emilia Narni J. David, BusinessWorld