Every time school vacation arrives, colorful kites once again fill the sky—a tradition that brings joy to children and adults alike, connecting generations. But this simple pastime now carries serious dangers.
Risks in Residential Areas
In residential areas like Barangay Quiot in Cebu City, children often fly kites in the middle of the road, amidst tangled power and telecom lines. This is dangerous: not only can it cause brownouts if kites get caught, but it can also lead to electrocution and loss of life.
Recent Accident on CCLEX
On April 21, a 22-year-old CIT-U student on a motorcycle was injured on the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) after a kite nylon got entangled around his neck. The nylon caused a wound on his neck and tore his uniform. This incident is a serious wake-up call that a game can become a deadly weapon if not monitored.
Mayor's Stance: No Total Ban
Mayor Nestor Archival stated that a total ban on kite flying in the city is not the solution to preserving culture. Instead, he suggested finding designated safe sites away from power lines.
City Ordinance 1471, which mandates a 3,000-square-meter open space for kite flying, must now be strictly enforced.
Mandaue City's Approach
Meanwhile, Mandaue City, through Councilor Carlo Fortuna, is taking the right step by regulating materials like nylon. Imposing fines from P1,000 to P5,000 for violators sends a strong message that every pastime comes with responsibility. According to Fortuna, using nylon string is very dangerous because it is sharp and can easily injure people.
Visayan Electric Warning
We must not forget the warning from Visayan Electric, which prohibits the public from flying kites near power lines, especially during summer. Kites that get caught in power lines not only cause blackouts but also pose the risk of electrocution.
