MAYOR GORDON STARTS ANTI-FIRECRACKER CAMPAIGN

Olongapo City Mayor James ‘Bong’ Gordon Jr. recently has stepped-up his campaign against the use of firecrackers especially in welcoming the new year and in celebration of the different events, holidays and activities in the coming months like the City Fiesta 2008.

“Padating tayo sa maraming okasyon at mga festivities at mas maganda kung hindi na tayo gagamit ng firecrackers. Sanhi yan ng maraming mga sakuna at pinsala lalo na sa panahon ngayon ay dapat na maingat tayo,” said Mayor Gordon.

“Gumamit na lang tayo ng mga maiingay na bagay katulad ng drum at torotot, mas practical pa yun at walang risk para magkaroon ng pinsala tulad ng idinudulot ng malalakas na paputok,” Mayor Gordon added.

It can be recalled that last year, Mayor Gordon strongly campaigned against firecrackers and intensified the implementation of City Ordinance No. 55 (Series of 1996), an amendment of City Ordinance No. 5 (Series of 1959) which regulated and banned the use of firecrackers.

In 2008, there were 26 injuries caused by firecrackers. The cases are slightly higher than in 2007 where there were 17 cases reported. But the cases reported in 2008 were only minor injuries unlike the cases in 2007 where major and more serious injuries were reported.

It is expected that the campaign will intensify these coming weeks.