DOH ‘Very Happy’ with Signing of EO on Firecrackers, Says Chief

Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Dr. Paulyn Ubial on Wednesday welcomed the signing of Executive Order No. 28 on the regulated use of firecrackers in the country.

“We’re very happy and positive that the President signed the EO,” Ubial said in an interview.

She noted that the unregulated use of firecrackers has resulted in an average of 1,000 injuries per year that cost the health system about PHP10 million, not to mention the untold misery brought about by permanent disability.

She said EO 28 will stop the individual use of firecrackers and instead promote community displays of fireworks.

The EO that President Rodrigo Duterte signed on Tuesday states that to “minimize the risk of injuries and casualties, the use of firecrackers shall be confined to community fireworks displays”.

It notes that the fireworks display, to be held on a specific date, time and place, will be conducted under the supervision of a trained person licensed by the police.

It also instructs the director general of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to “promulgate criteria for what constitutes prohibited firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices” within 30 days after the order takes effect.

The PNP, together with the departments of health, interior and local government, and environment, as well as the Bureau of Fire Protection, will promulgate the rules and regulations for the implementation of the order. (Leilani S. Junio/PNA)