DTI 6: Be vigilant in buying firecrackers, fireworks

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has reminded consumers to be vigilant when buying firecrackers and fireworks to prevent any untoward incidents during New Year.

According to DTI-Iloilo Director Judith Degala, consumers should carefully look at the labels and look for PS marks when buying firecrackers and fireworks.

“They should look for PS marks sa mga baklon nila nga palupok because ina nagapahibalo nga ang manufacturers nahatagan sang lisensya sang Bureau of Philippine Standards and compliant sila sa DTI standards,” she said in an interview on Wednesday, December 30, 2020.

Degala said the PS mark on the products can assure the consumers that it is safe to use.

Aside from the markings, Degala reminded the public to thoroughly check the labels when buying firecrackers and fireworks.

“Dapat may label nga brand, manufacturer, kag address, instructions for use and warnings kag dapat sundon gid naton,” she added.

DTI officials conducted routine inspection on Wednesday on the designated selling areas of firecrackers in the city.

Based on their initial inspection, Degala said retailers and vendors have been complying on the required PS mark standards of the DTI.

“So far based sa aton inspection, wala pa man kita may nadakop nga nagviolate sa aton rules and regulation when we checked in Muelley Loney and now in Arevalo,” she said.

In Iloilo City, the city government has designated three selling areas for fireworks and firecrackers particularly in Circumferential Road in Arevalo district, Muelley Loney in City Proper district, and Buhang in Jaro district.

Degala said that the selling zones are away from residential areas and impose necessary measures to ensure that any fire incidents will be prevented.

 

CODE WHITE ALERT

Meanwhile, all hospitals in the region have been placed under code white since December 21 and will last until January 5, 2021, according to Department of Health in Western Visayas (DOH-6).

Under code white, hospitals will augment their first and second response teams and prepare for the possible surge of firecracker/firework related incidents or any emergencies during the holiday season.

As of December 30, DOH-6 has recorded eight firecracker related incidents since Dec. 21.

The DOH discouraged the public from using firecrackers to avoid overwhelming hospitals which are also focusing on COVID-19 cases. (ERS)