Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia has introduced stringent new rules regarding the use and sale of fireworks during the festive season. Under Executive Order No. 6, Series of 2024, fireworks displays are prohibited in private homes, residential areas, and hospitals. The mayor’s directive aims to enhance safety by limiting fireworks to designated zones where they can be legally purchased and used.
The order explicitly bans children from any involvement in the manufacture, sale, distribution, or use of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices. Fireworks displays, described as public shows involving explosives and pyrotechnics that produce colorful lights, smoke, and noise for entertainment, are restricted to those with special permits.
Mayor Garcia emphasized that vendors must adhere to the Philippine National Standard for the construction and labeling of fireworks. Anyone wishing to sell or distribute firecrackers must obtain a license or business permit from the local Philippine National Police (PNP).
The mayor also outlined a list of banned firecrackers and devices, including Atomic Big Triangulo, Goodbye Philippines, Super Yolanda, Mother Rockets, and Watusi, citing their potential danger to life and property.
To ensure public safety, barangay officials, working alongside the PNP and the Bureau of Fire Protection, are responsible for establishing firecracker zones at least 100 feet from residential areas.