ILOILO CITY – Unlike in the past, there are now only two areas in Iloilo City that are allowed to sell firecrackers.
Mayor Jose Espinosa III designated Circumferential Road 1 (corner Jocson Street) and Circumferential Road 1 (corner Iloilo East Coast-Capiz along Ondoy’s Sugbahan in Buhang village, Jaro district) as the only areas where firecrackers can be sold.
“While selling and buying of firecrackers are allowed, unregulated presence anywhere poses danger to the safety and health of the public,” said Espinosa in his executive order.
The two areas were picked upon the recommendation of Chief Fire Inspector Bartolome Beliran, head of the city’s Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP). The two areas are far from densely populated areas.
Meanwhile, the regional office of Department of Health (DoH-6) is urging the public to welcome the New Year by using “torotot” (toy horns).
Dr. May Ann Sta Lucia, DoH-6’s coordinator for Injury Prevention Program, said the use of torotot or any other device can curb the number of injuries caused by firecrackers. (Tara Yap)