By S. S. Suarez
I am definitely for it. There is a looming possibility that a firecracker ban will happen in 2013. According to the Department of Health a partial or total fireworks ban is possible if many more Filipinos are injured this year.
"If we see the same numbers this year, then we might consider recommending a partial ban or total ban - a ban that can be discussed with other stakeholders," National Epidemiology Center head Eric Tayag said in an ABS-CBN interview. He hopes the number of injuries will not exceed the 987 incidents from last year.
Based on data collected from 50 sentinel hospitals across the country between 6am on December 22 and 6am on December 24, the DOH's compiled an Injury Registry showing:
- The majority of injuries were in the National Capital Region. 32% or 14 of the 44 cases were in the NCR, followed by Region VI with 18% of cases and Region IX with 11%.
- 41% or 18 of the cases were caused by seemingly safe piccolos, which look like a match
- Most of the injuries, or exactly 80%, were among males. Their ages ranged from 4 to 58
- 4% of the injuries occurred under the influence of alcohol
- 32% of the cases were among children 10 years old and younger. But children accounted for almost half of the 987 firecracker-related injuries between December 21, 2011 and January 5, 2012.
Historically more firecracker injuries are reported during New Year so the rise in injuries this early in the holiday season is a cause of concern for the Department of Health, which, together with the Philippine National Police, is at the forefront of efforts to curb fireworks-related accidents.
A ban will definitely solve the senseless injuries or even death to many Filipinos. Unlike my childhood days, today’s firecrackers have become 10x louder and meaner. Despite the brutal and gross pictures of actual injuries in media to remind the dangers of firecrackers, many hardheaded Filipinos still buy the illegal firecrackers. If our authorities cannot regulate the sale, import and manufacture of illegal firecrackers, then let us enforce a total ban.
Let us follow the example of Davao City. The local government of Davao has already imposed a total ban on firecrackers.
But how about those who rely on manufacture and sale of firecrackers? For sure, there are other alternatives for them to make a living. Most of them are done on backyards which fail to meet Bureau of Fire and Building Code standards. But why do these manufacturers continue to operate? The answer is obvious. Some BFP officials are corrupt.
Moreso, most firecrackers for sale are mainly imported from China. Only a few manufacturers will be affected if there will be a total ban. We can still enjoy the fireworks if they can be done in a central area that is regulated where everyone can watch and enjoy the spectacle when new year comes. Most importantly, we can welcome the new year without hurting others and ourselves.
