GUAGUA, Pampanga — Guagua Mayor Dante Torres issued Executive Order No. 59, banning the sale and use of firecrackers and pyrotechnics within the town’s jurisdiction.
In today’s Network Briefing News with Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar, Torres said this order aims to provide safety to the town’s residents during the celebration of the town’s fiesta, as well as the Yuletide season especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We know that firecrackers may result to injuries and even death, especially during Christmas and New Year. So, we decided, especially now that there is a pandemic, to ban its sale and use. First of all, we consider this as a waste of money. Instead of buying these, the public can just use their money to buy essential needs for their families,” the local chief executive said.
However, under the said executive order, community fireworks displays will be allowed provided the organizers will secure all necessary permits in conformity with national government protocols and regulations.
“We have instructed our barangays to implement 100% our firecracker ban. We have also ordered the confiscation and destruction of prohibited firecrackers per local procedures,” Torres said.
Meanwhile, the mayor said that there are other ways to celebrate the Yuletide season meaningfully without exposing or risking family members to the virus.
“We appeal to the public to avoid family reunions and just celebrate the Christmas and New Year at home. Based on our experience, whenever there is a gathering, there is a chance of COVID positive cases. Anyway, we now have different means of technology by which we can celebrate the Holidays with our family and relatives virtually for the meantime,” he said.
Torres also said he also met with the members of the clergy and other religious sectors to discuss the protocols for the Simbang Gabi.
“Many sects have already reduced their lineup of activities. We have no problem in coordinating with the religious sector because they are cooperative and they regulate themselves. In fact, the Archdiocese of San Fernando have already released its own set of guidelines for the celebration of the upcoming Christmas,” the mayor said.