BOCAUE, Philippines – To ensure safe and joyous revelry this season, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Director Ariel Barayuga personally led yesterday the inspection of fireworks stores here.
The campaign, dubbed Oplan Paalala 2015 “Iwas Sunog, Iwas Paputok sa Pasko at Bagong Taon,” was launched through a motorcade that started at the provincial capitol compound and made its way through MacArthur Highway up to the fireworks stalls in Bocaue, considered the fireworks capital of the country.
Barayuga said the inspections are to ensure public safety against fire emergencies as he noted that traditions dictate that Filipinos celebrate Christmas and New Year with festive and joyous revelry, often with the use of pyrotechnic products, Christmas lights and electrically operated decorations.
The products were noted in the past several years to cause fire incidents that resulted in property damage, injuries, even deaths.
Barayuga noted that compared to last year’s fire safety inspections, yesterday’s initial inspection showed good results because not one store was caught selling imported products, a violation of the Firecracker Law or Republic Act 7183.
He told The STAR that they have not yet caught any one selling pyrotechnic products without labels, unlike last year. The proper labeling of products is required since the labels contain instructions on product use to help consumers in properly and safely igniting pyrotechnic products.
Some fireworks stores were closed during the inspection though and the inspecting team also failed to look into several stockrooms, raising suspicion that prohibited products were being stored there.
Barayuga appealed to buyers to avoid using firecrackers during the New Year’s celebration and use instead aerial fireworks products, which are considered safer.
He also advised revelers to refrain from burning tires, which can cause fire and emit fumes which are health hazards.