By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Bacolod City Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, who is currently serving as acting mayor, recently directed Executive Assistant Ernesto Pineda, who heads Task Force Paputok, a group tasked with drafting policies pertaining to firecrackers and pyrotechnics in Bacolod City, to coordinate with various offices and agencies concerned with firecrackers and pyrotechnics, along with pertinent businesses.
The acting mayor, citing a memorandum issued last week, said the task force head must coordinate with the Bacolod City Police Office and Bureau of Fire Protection to ensure proper implementation and regulation of security and safety, along with the Bacolod Traffic Authority Office and Traffic Management Unit to manage local traffic.
Pineda will also coordinate with the Permits and Licensing Division and Office of the City Treasurer to manage corresponding permits and licenses.
Meanwhile, Pineda noted, the city has provided the rear of the Pope John Paul Tower, located along Rizal Avenue in the reclamation area, as the only special place for the sale of firecrackers and pyrotechnics.
In addition, Familiaran said, in order to minimize the risk of injuries and casualties, the use of firecrackers will be confined to community fireworks displays with such displays conducted under the supervision of a trained person licensed by the Philippine National Police.
He added, barangay captains each have prescribed and designated areas for the use of firecrackers and pyrotechnics./DGB, WDJ