Cebu City bans fireworks displays in residential areas

Fireworks (File photo)

CEBU CITY, Philippines — The city government imposes stricter regulations on the sale and use of firecrackers and fireworks during the holiday season.

Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia’s Executive Order No. 6, Series of 2024, bans private households, residential areas, and hospitals from hosting fireworks displays.

The order, however, establishes designated areas where Cebuanos may legally purchase and use fireworks.

“Children are strictly prohibited from manufacturing, selling, distributing, and using all types of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices,” Garcia’s order stated.

Fireworks displays, defined as “a public display of explosives, combustibles, and pyrotechnic devices generating colored lights, smoke, and noise for amusement,” may only be conducted by authorized individuals with special permits.

Garcia underscored that sellers must comply with the Philippine National Standard specifications for the construction and labeling of fireworks.

Persons intending to sell or distribute firecrackers must secure a license or business permit through the local Philippine National Police (PNP).

Garcia also listed prohibited firecrackers and devices, including atomic big triangulo, goodbye Philippines, super Yolanda, mother rockets, watusi, and others deemed hazardous to life and property.

In coordination with the PNP and the Bureau of Fire Protection, Barangay officials are tasked with designating firecracker zones at least 100 feet away from residential areas to ensure public safety.