BFP on full alert for New Year’s Eve revelries

AN OFFICIAL of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Bacolod City said its personnel will be on full alert for the New Year's Eve celebration to be held at the New Government Center (NGC) from 6 p.m. of December 31, 2011 to January 1, 2012.

"We have assigned one fire engine to be stationed at the NGC grounds for the celebration," Bacolod City Fire Marshal Chief Insp. Pamela Rojane Candido said.
 
She said she also talked to the pyrotechnic sellers on the NGC's northern portion to come to the BFP office for them to set up the safety measures.
 
The fireworks display, which will run for 30 minutes cannot be done near the pyrotechnic sellers but will be staged either at the back or the southern portion of the NGC.
 
"We are contemplating to meet with them and undertake the initial planning. We cannot jeopardize our sellers because, for one, they were issued special permits to do business. But on the other hand, we cannot put at stake the safety of our visitors where there will be a convergence of people during the celebration. We assure you that we will take charge of the safety during the fireworks display,” she said.
 
Bacolod City Mayor Evelio R. Leonardia reminded the public that, as a matter of policy and the safety, "We will not allow, as part of our security measures, individual firecrackers to be exploded during the period. Remember, there are so many people and we don’t want to cause any confusion or panic. Those who will violate will be arrested and face the consequence of their acts."
 
He also said that what makes this celebration more romantic as they will call it as a celebration from sunset to sun rise. It starts at 6 p.m. and ends when the sun rises the first day of 2012.
 
"We will allow drinking, eating but we will not allow tables and chairs at the NGC, except at the portions where there are kiosks. Some parking lots will be designated for the tail gate parties," he said.
 
"The organizer might have signed a contract with the fireworks maker that they will assure us that it's going to last for 30 minutes. In Makati, it is only for 15 minutes. We will do better because this is in line with our dream to make Bacolod City the New Year’s Eve capital of the Philippines," he said.
 
"The appropriation for the activity is P400,000 and is coursed through the Association of Barangay Captains (ABC). But definitely, this is a show that is worth watching for everyone. Activities which can be undertaken by the government will be handled by the ABC while other activities will be handled by the private sector," he said.
 
"We will even ask the ABC to encourage all barangays to come. We will assist barangays that are far from the NGC, such as Alangilan, Granada, Estefania, Banago, Bata, Cabug, Sum-ag, Punta Taytay, Pahanocoy, Alijis and Vista Alegre. Other barangays which will ask for assistance will also be assisted through ABC President Mona Dia Jardin," the mayor assured.
 
This is rare opportunity for the people of Bacolod, especially from far flung areas, to enjoy the celebration without spending for the pyrotechnics, Leonardia said.