SFO2 Wendell Villanueva, Information Officer of the Cebu City Fire Office (CCFO), talks about the importance of using alternative noise-making methods on Tuesday, December 12. | CDN Photo/ Pia Piquero
CEBU CITY, Philippines – The Cebu City Fire Office (CCFO) is advising the public to opt for alternative noise-making methods instead of firecrackers to prevent accidents during holiday celebrations.
SFO2 Wendell Villanueva, Information Officer of the CCFO, emphasized the need for caution during the holiday season, especially for the majority of the people who use firecrackers.
“Oplan Paalala na iwas paputok, wala gyud namo giconsider nga mao ni atong himuon nga pamaagi for merry-making, sa pagsugat sa Pasko ug Bag-ong Tuig, wala gyud ni namo [gi-consider],” Villanueva said on Tuesday, December 12.
The call to public safety came after the fire incident in a firecracker factory at Barangay Babag in Lapu-Lapu City where four people, including the owner, died.
READ: Lapu-Lapu firecracker factory hit by fire: 4 dead
Villanueva suggested using vehicle horns or purchasing “torotot” for noise-making purposes instead of firecrackers.
He added, “Kaysa mabuthan ta? Gamit nalang ta’g taklob sa kaldero; atong i-pakang pakang, saba man gihapon kaayo na siya sa tanan. Daghan ta’g alternatibo na mabuhat sa pagsaba-saba.”
Furthermore, if the public insists on incorporating firecrackers into their traditions, Villanueva proposed that each barangay establish a ‘firecracker zone’ to concentrate monitoring and safety efforts within a designated area.
“Sa maong paagi dili magpataka bisan asa lang na balay pabuto ta inag sugat sa Pasko ug Bag-ong Tuig,” Villanueva stressed.
Despite being on red alert during the holiday season, the fire officer emphasized the importance of celebrating the holiday season without accidents.
“Let’s be mindful no sa bati nga pagamit sa mga firecraker… aron malikayan gyud nato ang sunog this holiday season, likayan nalang gyud nato,” Villanueva advised.