QC NGOs Back City Ordinance Banning Firecrackers for Health and Environment
Various non-government organizations (NGOs) in Quezon City
Quezon City Ordinance No. 2618, Series of 2017, introduced by Councilor Ranulfo Ludovica and co-introduced by 31 other councilors and subsequently approved by Mayor Herbert Bautista last October 13, prohibits the use of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices in all public places of the city during festivities and other occasions.
According to the authors, “as a matter of public safety, there is an imperative need to prohibit the use or play of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices in all public places in Quezon City to prevent untimely deaths, injuries and damage to properties.”
"Public places," according to the ordinance, cover any "street, road, alley, thoroughfare, open space, plaza, park, basketball court, and other similar places."
“We laud our local officials for enacting this ordinance that promises health and environmental benefits beyond measure for the people ofQuezon City Manila and the whole nation will be watching as Quezon City
“Children are at high risk for firecracker-related injuries that can seriously maim or kill. Year in and year out, we hear stories of kids burning their skins, losing their fingers and having irreplaceable body parts amputated due to misuse of firecrackers.Quezon
City
Clean air advocate Tessa Oliva, Executive Director of Green Convergence, said: “Quezon City
“With the ban on firecrackers, we hope to see cleaner streets come New Year’s Day. We look forward to ushering in 2018 with no more firecracker wrappers and debris to sweep and dispose of. The ban will surely cut the quantity and toxicity of residual waste that our communities throw away during New Year and other special occasions,” said Sonia Mendoza, Chairman, Mother Earth Foundation.
For Anna Cabrera, Executive Director of the Philippine Animal Welfare Society, “the prohibition on firecrackers will be very beneficial to animals, especially for pet as well as stray cats and dogs who suffer a lot from the ear-splitting sounds of firecracker explosions,” adding that “other LGUs should followQuezon City
“As a resident of an urban poor community in Quezon City, the ban of firecrackers, we hope, will reduce the threat of fires in our neighborhood, as well as put more nutritious food on the table with the money saved from not buying firecrackers,” said Mercy Donor of Piglas Kababaihan.
According to the Ordinance No. 2618, “it shall be unlawful for any person to use or play firecrackers or pyrotechnic devices in all public places of Quezon City during festivity or for any occasion, unless a clearance is obtained from the Department of Public Order and Safety.”
“It shall be the duty of the Punong Barangays to strictly enforce the provisions of this Ordinance within their respective territorial jurisdiction. The Department of Public Order and Safety and the Quezon City Police District shall extend assistance for the purpose,” it said.
“Any person found to be violating the provisions of this Ordinance shall be penalized by a fine of P5,000 or an imprisonment of one year, or both such fine and imprisonment at the discretion of the court,” it stated.
Quezon City Ordinance No. 2618, Series of 2017, introduced by Councilor Ranulfo Ludovica and co-introduced by 31 other councilors and subsequently approved by Mayor Herbert Bautista last October 13, prohibits the use of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices in all public places of the city during festivities and other occasions.
According to the authors, “as a matter of public safety, there is an imperative need to prohibit the use or play of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices in all public places in Quezon City to prevent untimely deaths, injuries and damage to properties.”
"Public places," according to the ordinance, cover any "street, road, alley, thoroughfare, open space, plaza, park, basketball court, and other similar places."
“We laud our local officials for enacting this ordinance that promises health and environmental benefits beyond measure for the people of
“Children are at high risk for firecracker-related injuries that can seriously maim or kill. Year in and year out, we hear stories of kids burning their skins, losing their fingers and having irreplaceable body parts amputated due to misuse of firecrackers.
Clean air advocate Tessa Oliva, Executive Director of Green Convergence, said: “
“With the ban on firecrackers, we hope to see cleaner streets come New Year’s Day. We look forward to ushering in 2018 with no more firecracker wrappers and debris to sweep and dispose of. The ban will surely cut the quantity and toxicity of residual waste that our communities throw away during New Year and other special occasions,” said Sonia Mendoza, Chairman, Mother Earth Foundation.
For Anna Cabrera, Executive Director of the Philippine Animal Welfare Society, “the prohibition on firecrackers will be very beneficial to animals, especially for pet as well as stray cats and dogs who suffer a lot from the ear-splitting sounds of firecracker explosions,” adding that “other LGUs should follow
“As a resident of an urban poor community in Quezon City, the ban of firecrackers, we hope, will reduce the threat of fires in our neighborhood, as well as put more nutritious food on the table with the money saved from not buying firecrackers,” said Mercy Donor of Piglas Kababaihan.
According to the Ordinance No. 2618, “it shall be unlawful for any person to use or play firecrackers or pyrotechnic devices in all public places of Quezon City during festivity or for any occasion, unless a clearance is obtained from the Department of Public Order and Safety.”
“It shall be the duty of the Punong Barangays to strictly enforce the provisions of this Ordinance within their respective territorial jurisdiction. The Department of Public Order and Safety and the Quezon City Police District shall extend assistance for the purpose,” it said.
“Any person found to be violating the provisions of this Ordinance shall be penalized by a fine of P5,000 or an imprisonment of one year, or both such fine and imprisonment at the discretion of the court,” it stated.
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