Firecrackers zone at reclamation area

By: Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD City – Bacolod City Executive Assistant Ernie Pineda, head of Task Force 2019 Paputok, said the city government has identified the Pope John Paul Tower at the Reclamation Area as the special place for the sale of firecrackers and pyrotechnics.

Pineda said 68 vendors have applied for special permits to sell firecrackers and pyrotechnics as of Wednesday.

They will have to validate if all 68 vendors can be accommodated in the area.

Last year, 73 firecracker and pyrotechnics vendors applied for permits. Only vendors who have attended the training/seminar last year can be given special permits this year since the seminar is conducted only every two years.

Bacolod City Acting Mayor El Cid Familiaran designated Pineda as task force head through Memorandum No. 160 dated Nov 11, to coordinate with the different officers/agencies concerned and interested businesses for the designation of a special place for the wholesale and retail of firecrackers.

Pineda was also directed to coordinate with the Bacolod City Police Office and the Bureau of Fire Protection to ensure the proper implementation and regulation of security and safety of the area.

The Traffic Management Unit will carry out traffic plans while the Department of Trade and Industry will ascertain the standard quality of the product and correct labelling of fireworks.

Familiaran also directed Pineda to coordinate with the Permits and Licensing Division and City Treasurer’s Office to ensure that all corresponding permits and licenses are applied and paid for, and also concur with the Department of Public Services and City Legal Office in the maintenance of cleanliness, orderly collection of trash during and after the activity.