Firecracker ban must start this early

We welcome the lower number of firecracker-related injuries at 630 as reported by the Department of Health, and we laud the agencies and groups behind the steadfast “Iwas Paputok” campaign for this “good” news. But while 32 percent lower than last year’s figures, 630 firecracker-related injuries are incontestably still too many and deeply tragic as most of those wounded, burned or maimed are young children.

The significant number of young children injured and the high levels of health-damaging particulate matter 2.5 and toxic trash generated from the firecracker explosions should drive government into fast-tracking the issuance of a regulation banning firecrackers. Taking action now will allow our people to breathe clean air, a basic human right, and to welcome the next new year in a healthier and saner way sans gory stories of body parts being amputated, eyes blinded and skin burned.

As the pending bills on firecrackers in both houses of Congress may not be enacted fast enough, we request President Duterte to support  the DOH-drafted executive order that seeks to prohibit firecrackers for personal or household use. The immediate promulgation of the order will give the country, particularly the firecracker industry, more time to perform the necessary adjustment and transition.

Upon promulgation, we find it essential for a government-led stakeholders’ committee to be convened as soon as possible to discuss the order’s full and systematic enforcement, including the conduct of a vigorous public information and education drive all year round; as well as stern action to stop the entry of firecrackers manufactured abroad.

Concerned national and local government institutions need to come up with a detailed plan on how to assist the affected sectors and families in their switch to a safer and sustainable livelihood. The authorities should seriously reach out to the so-called backyard industry to ensure workers are duly assisted in finding alternative employment.

The ban will surely not please everyone, but greater public interest dictates that a tougher policy be adopted to put an end to the preventable cycle of injuries, deaths, fires and toxic pollution that may be caused by firecrackers.

As government is duty-bound to protect the health and safety of its citizens, especially the children who are most vulnerable to injury and toxic pollution, we urge the authorities to hasten the ban on firecrackers.

AILEEN LUCERO, national coordinator, EcoWaste Coalition,Unit 329, Eagle Court, 26 Matalino St., Quezon City