“Safety and prosperity could be both achieved with clear rules and proper implementation” -Fernando

CITY OF MALOLOS- “We believe that safety and prosperity could be both achieved if we have clear rules, proper implementation, and responsible manufacturers, dealers, and users of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices.”

This was the message of Governor Daniel R. Fernando as he, together with Philippine National Police Chief PGen. Benjamin C. Acorda, Jr., inspected firework stalls at Santiago Compound in Brgy. Turo, Bocaue, Bulacan earlier today.

The governor stressed that he supports the measures to stop the manufacture, sale, and use of prohibited firecrackers which are extremely dangerous and a threat to the safety of the citizens.

But he added that he also stands for the protection and continuous advancement of the pyrotechnic industry in the country which if used correctly, is an important part of the culture and tradition.

“Thousands of workers depend on this industry to provide for their families so please, let us hear them out. Kasabay po nito ang ating pagsusulong ng madisplina at maingat na paggamit ng legitimate at quality firecrackers na bahagi ng ating pagdiriwang ng Bagong Taon,” the governor said.

Meanwhile, Acorda believed that the strict enforcement of the rules and regulations are important to ensure compliance and care for the environment and, above all, for everyone’s life.

“Nais nating tiyakin na lahat ay sumusunod sa ating responsibilidad na bumili at magbenta ng mga produktong dekalidad at naaayon sa kaligtasan ng lahat. Ipinapangako namin sa lahat ng Pilipino, na ang PNP, kasama ang mga LGU at ahensya ng gobyerno, ay naririto bilang mga tagapangalaga ng kasiyahan at kaligtasan ng lahat,” the PNP chief said.

Acorda reported that the PNP responded to 36 incidents of illegal possession, use, and sale of firecrackers and confiscated 28,754 firecrackers amounting to P244,113.

He also shared that the DOH logged 87 firecracker-related injuries and casualties.

In accordance to Executive Order No. 28, series of 2017 and Republic Act No. 7183 of 1992, Fernando issued Executive Order No. 36, series of 2023 entitled “An Order Providing for the Regulation and Control of the Use of Firecrackers and Pyrotechnics Devices in the Province of Bulacan” which contains the list of prohibited firecrackers, community fireworks display, prohibition of minors, and strict inspection procedures.

In addition, during the recent Provincial Peace and Order Council meeting, the governor directed the barangay captains especially those from the towns of Bocaue and Santa Maria to conduct separate inspection on each household to ensure that no production of firecrackers are being conducted in residential areas.