Firecracker zone at SRP to open on December 20

CEBU, Philippines —  The authorized display and vending area for fireworks and pyrotechnics at the South Road Properties (SRP) in Cebu City is set to open on December 20.

At least 16 firecracker vendors are expected to display their products there.

City Councilor Phillip Zafra, who heads the council’s committee on peace and order, had an initial meeting with the vendors the other day, discussing the safety and health protocols.

“Naa na ta’y meeting niana ug gi-sure nato nga mapatuman sab gyud ang saktong protocols   kun masugdan na ang pagpamaligya sa area,” the councilor said.

The vendors are required to secure a certificate from the Bureau of Fire Protection and other necessary documents and permits before they could sell in the city’s designated area.

“It is also imperative that each stall has fire extinguisher and enough water supplies for emergency use,” he said.

Firecracker vendors only have up to December 31, New Year’s Eve, to sell their products at the designated zone at SRP.

City Ordinance No. 2290 was amended in 2011 to designate SRP as a firecracker zone, and to ban firecrackers completely from residential areas, power lines and substations.

“Ang tumong ra gyud nga makabaton og luwas nga area alang sa pagpamaligya og pabuto. Diha sa SRP, layo pud kini sa mga establisamento,” said Zafra.

He said vendors have assured authorities they will heed the protocols to ensure safety. — KQD (FREEMAN)