Firecracker vendors display their wares at the back of Sugbu building at the South Road Properties (SRP) in this December 2015 file photo.
Cebuanos can again enjoy fun rides and buy firecrackers at firecracker stalls at the South Road Properties (SRP) during the Christmas season.
Nagiel Bañacia, head of the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council, said during an interview yesterday that the “Kasadya sa SRP” would again be opened to the public anytime this month to bring fun and entertainment to the Cebuanos.
The Kasadya will be set up at the Sugbu building grounds.
Bañacia, however, said he had no list yet of the rides and other surprises that would be made available in the area.
City Hall awarded this year’s Kasadya sa SRP to a certain Minda Pantalita, who placed a bid of P2.6 million.
Pantalita’s contract with the city included the operation of rides and the management of about 50 firecrackers stalls in a portion of the SRP located close to the sea.
“The city would still supervise (their operations) but only in terms of safety measures,” Bañacia said.
Unlike in the previous years, Pantalita will also be made to pay for their electricity and water consumption and provide transportation to people who would want to visit the Kasadya sa SRP. Pick up points are yet to be identified,” said Bañacia.
“The city will not spend any centavo. The transportation will depend on the winning bidder,” he said.
City hall organized the Kasadya sa SRP a few years back to offer rides and entertainment activities to the Cebuanos during the Christmas, New Year and the annual Sinulog festivities.
Bañacia said there is still no specific date for its opening but the winning bidder has already started with the construction of firecrackers stalls.
Stalls will be opened from Dec. 23 to 24 and Dec. 30 to 31 when the demand is high.
Bañacia said stalls will be built away from each other for safety reasons.
Each vendor will also be required to put on standby a fire extinguisher and water pail that may be used in case of the occurrence of fire.
Testing of firecrackers will be prohibited in the area that will be closely monitored by the Philippine National Police and Bureau of Fire Protection.
The two agencies will especially monitor vendors’ compliance with safety rules and regulations set by the Firearms Explosives Security Service Agency and Guards Supervisory Section.