In a significant development, a Davao City councilor has expressed willingness to re-examine the city's two-decade-old prohibition on firecrackers and pyrotechnics. This comes in response to growing online calls from residents for a review of the strict policy.
Councilor Proposes Designated Areas for Regulated Displays
Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang, who chairs the Committee on Finance, Ways and Means, and Appropriations, stated that the city could potentially allow controlled fireworks displays in specific zones. He identified the Davao City Coastal Road as a possible venue for such public events.
"Maybe we can look at it again and firecrackers because we can use the coastal road as possible areas for regulated display or public display for firecrackers," Dayanghirang said during the Pulong-Pulong sa Dabawenyos on Tuesday, January 6, 2025.
He emphasized that any move to amend City Ordinance No. 060-02, Series of 2002, would require thorough consultation with the executive department, adhering to the city's consensus-based approach. "Nothing is permanent. Amending the firecracker ban is possible," he clarified, noting he is not pushing for changes but is open to studying the proposal.
Police Cite Ban's Success in Preventing Injuries
Meanwhile, the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) highlighted the ordinance's effectiveness in ensuring public safety. PCapt. Hazel Caballero-Tuazon, DCPO spokesperson, credited the ban for significantly reducing holiday-related injuries.
"Since 2002, we have enjoyed a firecracker-free city, and we have no hospital records of people losing fingers," Tuazon stated during the Kapehan sa Dabaw on Monday, January 5, 2025. She reported zero firecracker-related incidents during the recent New Year celebrations, attributing the peace to proactive police measures.
The police confirmed they will abide by any decision the local government makes regarding the ordinance.
Understanding the Current Ban
The existing ordinance, enforced year-round, prohibits the:
- Manufacture, sale, distribution, possession, and use of firecrackers and all pyrotechnic devices.
- Use of improvised devices like bamboo or PVC cannons.
Violators face penalties including fines from ₱1,000 to ₱5,000, imprisonment of 20 days to six months, or both.
Residents Weigh In: Safety vs. Tradition
The potential review has sparked mixed reactions from Davaoeños. Some residents support the idea of city-regulated, professional community displays as a compromise.
Lea Regina Dulay from Puan called it a "welcome compromise" but urged the city to consider alternative entertainment if the ban stays. "Making it illegal does not stop people from doing it. Sometimes it also feels dull when you don’t hear any noise during the New Year," she shared, noting her family once traveled to Cebu for fireworks. She also raised concerns about pollution.
Lucky Ricalde, a Poblacion resident, supports an amendment, feeling Davao is one of the few major cities without a display. "Parang hindi masyado talaga ma feel ang pagdating ng New Year kung walang fireworks," he said, believing community displays could ensure safety.
Conversely, Rin Carbonilla from Matina values the ban for public and animal safety. She sees community-organized displays as a potential middle ground. "I think the idea of a community fireworks display is good because it bridges the gap between those who don’t like fireworks and those who do," she said.
The discussion sets the stage for a potential policy shift, balancing public safety records with evolving public sentiment on tradition and celebration.
