BAGUIO CITY – The City Peace and Order Council (CPOC) passed a resolution recommending for the amendments of certain provisions of Ordinance 53, series of 2009 which earlier amended Ordinance No. 144, series of 1951 that prohibited the sale and/or explosion of firecrackers and fireworks in the city and imposing penalties pursuant to the degree of violation in compliance with Department of the Interior and Local government (DILG) memorandum circulars and relevant laws governing the use of firecrackers and pyrotechnics.
Under CPOC Resolution No. 15, series of 2025, the CPOC stated that despite existing regulations, there has been an increasing number of firecracker-related injuries and damage to properties over the years prompting the need for further amendment of local ordinances to enhance public safety and prevent injuries and fatalities.
It suggested that the title of Ordinance No. 53, series of 2025 should read ‘ An Ordinance Amending Ordinance No. 53, series of 2009 prohibiting the sale and/or explosion of firecrackers and fireworks in the city and imposing penalties in accordance with the degree of violation, regulating the use of firecrackers and pyrotechnics in the city and ensuring public safety through updated regulations in compliance with relevant laws and executive orders.
For Section 2, it shall contain that individual, personal, or household use of firecrackers or any kind is hereby banned in the city; firecrackers shall only be allowed within community fireworks displays as defined under relevant national and local regulations subject to securing necessary permits, authorizations, in compliance with all safety standards and pyrotechnic devices, such as sparklers, fountains and luces may still be used but only within approved community fireworks displays or pubic events subject to applicable laws and regulations.
Further, community fireworks displays shall be allowed, provided that the event organizers secure the necessary permits and ensure compliance with all required safety measures, including, but not limited to, compliance with national fire safety standards; adequate distance from residential areas and people; deployment of emergency medical and firefighting teams; notification of local authorities, including the Philippine National Police and Bureau of Fire Protection – Baguio City and supervision by individuals with proper training as certified by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and TESDA-accredited organizations/offices in handling fireworks and pyrotechnics.
The CPOC added that a list of fireworks zones within the city shall be created in consultation with the PNP, BFP-BCFS and the local government unit ensuring that fireworks displays are conducted in safe open areas.
The suggested penalties for violations shall be imprisonment of not more than six months or a fine of not more than P5,000 or both, at the discretion of the court for individuals and for businesses, summary revocation of business permits and imposition of fines as prescribed by relevant laws and regulations.
The CPOC also proposed that the local government shall implement an information and advocacy campaign to promote public awareness on the danger of firecrackers and pyrotechnics as well as the legal and safety requirements for their use in partnership with relevant government agencies and stakeholders. The campaign will emphasize injury prevention, environmental protection and the promotion of safety alternative to traditional firecrackers. By Dexter A. See
