DENR: Set up common areas for fireworks
DENR: Set up common areas for fireworks
● In another development, environment agency has yet to issue tree-cutting permit to Cebu City for 11 trees on Pope John Paul II Ave. in Barangay Mabolo, cites lack of requirements
THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7 yesterday urged local chief executives to designate common areas for fireworks for the upcoming Christmas and New Year celebrations to protect public health and the environment.
Speaking during the 888 News Forum, DENR 7 information officer Dr. Ed- die Llamedo also reminded the public to refrain from burning tires, which produces carbon monoxide and other poisonous metals like zinc. This is harmful when inhaled by humans, he said.
Minimizing risks
In a related press statement, DENR 7 Director Isabelo Montejo said that
assigning a common place for setting off fireworks and other pyrotechnics displays minimizes the risk of the public inhaling air pollutants like dust, sulfur and charcoal that complicate respiratory problems.
Montejo said that those vulnerable are senior citizens, children and persons with respiratory problems.
A common area for fireworks displays will also translate to fewer occurrences of fire, injuries and even deaths, Montejo said.
Montejo said a local government unit through its municipal or city council may pass an ordinance regulating or even banning the use of deadly fireworks within its jurisdiction.
He called for a strict implementation of the sale, manufacture, distribution and use of firecrackers as regulated by Republic Act 7183.
“These pollutants lead to the formation of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide. They also get trapped in smog that blankets the air afterwards, aggravated by the cold weather and rain expected from the occurrence of El Niño,” Montejo said.
Meanwhile, Llamedo said the DENR 7 still cannot issue a permit to cut 11 trees on Pope John Paul II Ave. in Mabolo, Cebu City and the 43 trees at the vicinity of the Technical Education and Skills Develop- ment Authority without the public hearing and certificates of no objections.
Llamedo said the public hearing must be documented with pictures and an attendance sheet, among others.
He said the Cebu City Government applied for the permit to cut the trees on Pope John Paul II Ave. to help ease traffic in the area during the International Eucharistic Congress next month.
“So the organizers and the church will benefit from it. Therefore, the church leaders must agree to cut the trees and they must issue a certificate of no objection.” Llamedo said.
He said that last Dec. 7, there was a request for Bishop Dennis Villarojo to issue the certificate of no objection but there has been no reply.