CEBU, Philippines - Instead of firecrackers, a Cebu City Health Department official advised the public to use safer means of producing noise like trumpets, unless they want to welcome the New Year in the hospital due to injuries
“Mas maayo nga dili ta magpabuto. Ato na lang siguro gamiton nang trumpeta nga dako kaayo. Pwede pud kaldero nga bunalbunalan nato para lang gyud maalegre ang atong New Year, (kundili) pakusgan ang sounds,” said Dr. Daisy Villa.
She said that what is more significant in celebrating the New Year is for people to reflect on the past, to repent, and to renew their lives instead of lighting firecrackers.
“Kinahanglan moatubang ta sa samin ug mo-reflect. Unsa ba kaha ning akong 2015? Unsay maayong buhat nga akong nahimo ug atong padayunon; ug unsa to ang bati, atong paningkamotan nga dili mausab,” Villa said.
She also advised that instead of the usual noise, it is better to reflect on whom we have offended and to renew the friendship with them.
“If nakapasakit man gani ta even sa isig katawo, mangayo og pasaylo,” she said.
In a separate interview, acting mayor Edgardo Labella likewise advised against the use of firecrackers.
“Kun mahimo dili na lang magpabuto, naa may mga torotot. Kun mao man gyud na atong tinuhoan ug tradisyon just to make sound then mao na lang na atong gamiton,” he told reporters yesterday.
He also urged residents to stay vigilant amid the merrymaking in guarding their homes against lawless elements.
“Sa pagsaulog sa Bag-ong Tuig, atong pahimangnoan ang katawhan, let us always be vigilant that there are elements that will take advantage of the situation. Kasagaran gyud sa Bag-ong Tuig nga tungod sa atong pag-celebrate sa kasadya, we take for granted our hou-ses,” he said.
Further, he urged adults to guard their children against the use of firecrackers.
“Ang atong mga bata labi pa gyud nang hilig kaayo magduwa-duwa og firecrackers, nga atong ilikay nga adunay mangapungkol sa pagduwa-duwa… Let us always be careful, take care of ourselves, take care of our families and children,” he said. — May B. Miasco/RHM (FREEMAN)