MORE SUPPORT ON FIRECRACKERS BAN

A doctor from Olongapo City is appealing to the Department of Health (DOH) to intensify its campaign against firecrackers and to completely ban its use.

In a letter addressed to several national and local newspapers, Dr. Eliseo R. Reblando, MD, FPAFP, DFM, medical director of Santa Veronica General Clinic in Olongapo, is directing his concern to the DOH and asked the said government agency to “work double time not only for amending RA 7183 that regulates the sale and distribution of firecrackers but to completely ban the use of fireworks.”

He noted that “the campaign of the DOH to minimize firecracker related injuries has been ineffective.” Reblando also cited that the fireworks industry should be given “a year and a half to divert their business to other small and medium-sized industry.”

Reblando lauded Olongapo City Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte “who have the guts to totally ban the use of fireworks in their respective cities.”

“We sincerely wish other local executives to follow for a complete ban on any form of fireworks in the country,” Dr. Reblando said in closing.

PAO/chay