Talisay’s “firecracker zones” in effect Dec. 16 to Dec. 31

CEBU, Philippines - The display and sale of fireworks in designated “firecracker zones” in Talisay City will officially start on December 16, or nine days before Christmas, and will end midnight of December 31, according to city fire marshal Antonio Ortiz.

Ortiz said areas in barangay Lagtang where firecrackers can be sold this year are the very same places where fireworks were sold last year. 

Ortiz, however, emphasized that vendors should have permits and licenses to be legitimate and should observe the guidelines set by the Firearms and Explosives, Security Agency and Guards Section (FESAGS).

At firecracker zones, vendors are required to have buckets of sand and pails of water in case of fire.

Stalls are also required to have firewalls and good ventilation.

The law dictates that displayed pyrotechnics should be covered with plastic especially those near sidewalks.

“No Smoking and No Testing” signs are also required, said Mabilog.

For fireworks to have a PS mark, manufacturers must apply for a PS license and have their products tested by the DTI.

Aside from that, they have to be licensed by the Philippine National Police (PNP) to sell and distribute their fireworks, as mandated by Republic Act 7183, regulating firecrackers and other pyrotechnics.

The law also specifies the types of firecrackers and pyrotechnics that can and cannot be sold.

Allowed are the ones called “Baby Rocket, Bawang, Small Triangulo, Pulling of Strings, Paper Caps, El Diablo,  Judas’ Belt, and Sky Rocket (kwitis). (FREEMAN)