Tuesday, December 23, 2008 City identifies 6 firecracker zones By Lydia C. Pendon
THE Iloilo City Government has identified six zones for sale of firecrackers and pyrotechnic materials for the period of December 20 to December 31, 2008.
City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas issued Executive Order 50 that identified the areas where people can earn a living by selling firecrackers and other pyrotechnics in a move to ensure public safety.
The designated selling areas are a vacant lot in front of Vic Imperial Appliance Center at Iznart St. in the city proper; Molo Plaza in Molo district; Mandurriao plaza in front of the police station in Mandurriao district; Jaro plaza in front of SM_Save More Mandaue in Jaro district; La Paz plaza and Promenade, the street along Brgy Laguda fronting the Iloilo River in La Paz district and at Quezon St., JV Jocson in front of UMV Bldg. to Osmeña St., Barangay Mohon, Bonifacio and Yulo streets in Arevalo district.
Selling at any place other than the designated areas is not allowed. Firecrackers and pyrotechnics sold in other areas will be confiscated by any peace officer and turned over to appropriate authorities for inventory.
Treñas said the vendors are required to have at all times a plastic cover for the firecrackers, a supply of water and sand and they must strictly prohibit the general public and buyers to smoke and test the firecrackers within their premises. The vendors should also provide a "no smoking, no testing" sign at their stalls.
The prohibition on the designated firecracker zones is not applicable to all legitimate businessmen who sell firecrackers within their own business establishments.
Barangay captains of identified firecracker zones shall ensure the strict implementation of the Executive Order through their barangay tanods, in coordination with the precinct commanders of the Philippine National Police.
