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Saturday, December 31, 2005
City softens rule on sale of firecrackers
THE City Government of San Fernando Thursday eased a bit on its earlier proposal to limit firecracker vendors' zone in the poblacion area in the city.
A compromise agreement was reached between the City Government and heads of barangays regarding the areas where firecrackers could be sold even as the local government banned the selling of pyrotechnic materials at the Old Public Market.
In a meeting, Barangay Sto. Rosario Chairman Alejandro Liang countered the proposal to relocate firecracker vendors from the public market to the front area of the San Fernando Elementary School along B. Mendoza Street.
Liang said the short notice given by local authorities on the relocation scheme would elicit strong public resistance, thus an ineffective enforcement of the firecracker ban.
City Administrator Sonia Soto said she understood the predicament of the vendors, thus solicited suggestions on more acceptable sites for firecracker vendors other than the public market.
Among the zones recommended are along V. Tiomico and Jose Abad Santos Streets only. If need, a part of Consunji Street could also house stalls for firecrackers.
The City Government, as part of the implementation of its "Oplan: Iwas Paputok," identified the City Hall and the Old Public Market as fire critical establishments. Being highly susceptible to fire incidents, no firecrackers will be allowed to be sold or brought, much less used within the premises.
However, Soto said selling of firecrackers will not be allowed inside the public market that has been declared a fire hazard by local fire authorities. Outright confiscation of goods will be done to violators, she said.
She said the City Government cannot disregard the need of some Fernandinos to take advantage of the occasion by selling firecrackers, but she also stated that it is the duty of the government to look after public safety.
Safe noisemaking
Mayor Oscar S. Rodriguez, who formally launched "Oplan: Iwas Paputok" at the City Hall, said although the City Government could not totally prohibit the use of firecrackers, it would implement laws regulating the use of such.
He also said local government units (LGUs) have been reminded by Interior and Local Government Secretary Angelo Reyes on the use of firecrackers.
The mayor, together with San Fernando City Police Chief Enrico Salapong, also sealed the muzzles of the service firearms of policemen in the city to prevent them from using their guns in celebrating the New Year. (ABL)
(December 30, 2005 issue)
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