Marikina bans use of firecrackers 

Marikina City Mayor Marcelino Teodoro has ordered the ban on the use of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices in the city in welcoming the New Year, according to a report by Manila Bulletin.

“I have issued an Executive Order prohibiting the use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices in Marikina this New Year. This is to prevent the mass gathering of people and ensure the safety of our constituents,” Teodoro said in a statement Thursday.

“Our primordial concern is the health and safety of the public, we do not want them to get infected with coronavirus which has already claimed lives,” he added.

He said the order is in compliance with the Resolution No. 19 of the Regional Peace and Order Council-National Capital Region recommending the ban on the use of firecrackers in Metro Manila.

The resolution is in consonance with the Department of Interior and Local Government memorandum circulars providing the guidelines on the regulation and control of the use of the firecrackers, including the designation of specific areas for community fireworks display.

The mayor said that an ordinance disallowing the use of firecrackers in the city will be passed by the City Council next week. The ordinance will provide the fines and penalties for violators of the firecracker ban.

Marikina’s annual community-based fireworks display and concert will also not push through this year as this constitutes mass gathering, which is prohibited amid the ongoing threat of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

Even before the pandemic, the local government of Marikina has imposed regulations on the use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices during the New Year’s celebration by holding community fireworks displays.

Thousands of residents and even people from nearby cities and provinces visit Marikina every year to attend the city’s annual New Year’s concert and fireworks display.

However, the mayor noted that holding community fireworks display amid the pandemic is dangerous because it encourages mass gathering which is prohibited during the community quarantine period.

“For now, community-based fireworks displays in the city are not allowed because it constitutes mass gathering, so we must maintain the implementation of our health protocols to ensure the safety of all,” Teodoro said.

The Marikina mayor is confident that 2021 will be a year of healing, rehabilitation, and recovery for the city which has faced many difficult challenges this year.

“We are looking forward to 2021 as a year of new beginnings and a year of hope for the people of Marikina. Sama-sama, tulong-tulong, babangon ang Marikina!” he said.