LIST: Metro Manila LGUs with ordinances regulating or banning firecrackers

The Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday released a list of local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila that have ordinances that ban or regulate the use of firecrackers.

In a press conference at the Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center (ARMMC) in Marikina City, Health Secretary Teodoro “Ted” Herbosa urged Filipinos to be respectful of others’ welfare amid the anticipated increased use of firecrackers in welcoming the New Year.

“[It is] very important to be respectful also of people with respiratory illness. Madaming health reason, madaming may ordinansang ganito sa Marikina and other cities… All I can say as the health department, talagang may effects ang fireworks sa bata…” he said.

([It is] very important to be respectful also of people with respiratory illness. There are a lot of health reasons, and a lot with these ordinances in Marikina and other cities… All I can say as the health department, is that fireworks really has effects on children.)

The DOH shared the list of LGUs across the National Capital Region (NCR) that implement different firecracker regulations.

LGUs with Iwas Paputok Ordinance Regulations

• Caloocan City
• Malabon City
• Navotas City
• Valenzuela City
• Pasig City
• Taguig City
• Manila
• Mandaluyong City
• San Juan City
• Pasay City

LGUs with Total Ban

• Navotas City
• Pateros
• Marikina City
• Quezon City
• Makati City
• Mandaluyong City
• Muntinlupa City
• Parañaque City
• Las Piñas City
• Pasay City

LGUs with Designated Firecracker Zones

• Caloocan City
• Pasig City
• Taguig City
• Makati City
• Pasay City

LGUs with Designated Fireworks Display Zones

• Mandaluyong City
• Marikina City
• Quezon City
• Manila
• Makati City
• Mandaluyong City
• San Juan City
• Muntinlupa City
• Las Piñas City
• Pasay City

Herbosa noted some LGUs enforced their ordinances to protect residents – especially children – amid the lack of national regulations against firecrackers.

“At this point, each LGU is autonomous. Nagpapatayo sila ng total ban katulad ng Marikina… May kanya–kanya silang version of how to protect [their constituents], but the objective is the same – to protect the children,” he said.

(At this point, each LGU is autonomous. They are enforcing total bans like Marikina… They all have their own versions of how to protect [their constituents], but the objective is the same – to protect the children.)

Herbosa said he would express support for any legislation that would lead to regulation or a ban on the use of firecrackers, especially for children.

“I think it’s better talagang mapag-usapan to put up with the level of consciousness and the behavior. Malaking bagay ang behavior. Malaking bagay ang magulang na magtuturo sa bata na di na humawak ng paputok,” he said.

(I think it’s better that we really talk about this to put up with the level of consciousness and the behavior. Behavior is a big thing. It’s a big deal for parents to teach their children not to handle firecrackers.) — JMA, GMA Integrated News