The Bacolod City Government has issued a firm directive to all fireworks vendors, mandating that sales occur only within a specifically designated area to ensure public safety during the holiday season.
Strict Compliance Required at Designated Zone
Authorities have identified the official firecracker zone at the Reclamation Area, behind the Pope John Paul II Tower. Councilor Caesar Distrito, who leads the City Council's committee on human resource and development, emphasized that all 61 members of the Bacolod Fireworks Retailers Association must fully comply with requirements for selling their products. This directive covers both wholesale and retail operations.
Distrito stressed that fireworks should only be purchased from this authorized zone. Vendors who choose to sell outside this specified location will face penalties, and their merchandise will be confiscated by authorities.
Enforcement of Fire Safety Protocols
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has already conducted inspections to ensure vendors are adhering to critical fire safety measures. To prevent accidents, the BFP requires every stall to have clear safety provisions.
These mandatory precautions include posting visible "no smoking" signs and having essential safety equipment readily available. Vendors must prepare:
- A functional fire extinguisher.
- A drum filled with water.
- A bag of sand for emergency use.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is supporting this initiative by providing a clear list of fireworks and pyrotechnic devices that are legal for retailers to sell.
Legal vs. Prohibited Fireworks: A Clear Distinction
According to the guidelines under Republic Act 7183, which regulates the sale, manufacture, and use of firecrackers, specific items are permitted while others are banned.
Legal fireworks that retailers can sell include: baby rocket, Judas' belt, el diablo, paper caps, pulling of strings, skyrocket (kwitis), small triangulo, butterfly, fountain, jumbo regular and special luces, Mabuhay, roman candle, sparklers, trompillo, and whistle device.
Strictly prohibited fireworks are: super lolo, goodbye earth, five-star, whistle bomb, atomic triangle, piccolo, watusi, bogo, and pla-pla.
Councilor Distrito's final reminder to the public is to prioritize safety by only buying from the official zone and being aware of the legal products, helping ensure a joyful and incident-free celebration for everyone in Bacolod City.
