The selling of fireworks and pyrotechnic devices is allowed in Iloilo City, subject to the regulations imposed by the local government unit (LGU).

Mayor Jerry Treñas issued Executive Order (EO) No. 190 regulating the sale, distribution, manufacturing, and use of fireworks and pyrotechnic devices in the city.

The issuance intends to “ensure the general welfare of Ilonggos” during the holiday season, said Treñas.

“We ask for the strict compliance of laws and protocols to secure the safety of our residents especially when we are still fighting a deadly virus.”

Under the EO, the sale, distribution, manufacturing, and use of the following fireworks and pyrotechnic devices are prohibited:

  • Those whose net explosive(s) ingredient contents exceed 1/3 teaspoon;
  • Those that will endanger life and limb such as atomic big triangulo, super lolo, and their equivalent;
  • Those that use sulfur and/or phosphorous mixed with chlorates;
  • Those sold without the necessary permits and licenses;
  • Those determined by the Philippine National Police, and Bureau of Fire Protection as dangerous to life and limb; and
  • Class 4 fireworks and pyrotechnic devises sold to and used by persons not qualified as licensed pyrotechnicians and/or licensed fireworks display operators.

Identified designated fireworks and pyrotechnic devices manufacturing zones should be 300 meters away from the nearest residential area. In the absence of a perimeter. the 300 meters shall be measured from the closest wall.

The zones are requires to comply with the following safety measures:

  • All buildings shall have adequate ventilation, no concrete floors, must be leak-proof and furnished                  with necessary fire extinguishers;
  • The warehouse must be at least 50 meters away from any processing station.
  • The processing stations must follow minimum distance from each other, with all sides open: Mixing  station – 50 meters, Grinding station – 40 meters, Packaging station – 40 meters, Fuse                      making/Nagmimitsa – 20 meters, and Loading station – 20 meters.

Buying and selling of fireworks and pyrotechnic devises in the city are allowed at Circumferential road 1, corner Jocson Street in Arevalo; Circumferential road 1 – corner Iloilo East Coast – Capiz along Ondoy’s Sugbahan; and Muelle Loney Street, along Riverside front of Muelle Loney Statue.

Pursuant to the Implementing Rules and Regulation of Republic Act No. 9514 and DILG MC No. 2016-176, the fireworks and pyrotechnic devices display zone or center shall be subject to the following guidelines:

  • Fireworks and pyrotechnic devises display zones shall be separated from each other by a firewall with a fire resistance rating of not less than two hours, as determined by the Bureau of Fire Protection;
  • Shopping malls and other similar establishments shall not be utilized as fireworks and pyrotechnic devises display zones for selling fireworks and pyrotechnic devises, unless the selling is done through media presentation or other means without necessarily displaying the said fireworks and pyrotechnic device therein;
  • Fire extinguishers shall be provided in accordance with Section 10.2.6.7 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 9514;
  • Smoking within 15 meters from a display center and testing of fireworks and pyrotechnic devises shall be prohibited;
  • Stoves, explosive flames, and electrical heaters shall be prohibited at the display area.

Meanwhile, fireworks and pyrotechnic devices are only allowed at a portion of the Iloilo River Esplanade in Barangay Progreso, Lapuz district.

The fireworks and pyrotechnic devices exhibition zones may be allowed subject to compliance with the following conditions:

  • A clearance to conduct fireworks and pyrotechnic devises exhibition from the Iloilo City Fire Marshal;
  • A permit to possess and display fireworks and pyrotechnic devices shall be secured from the Philippine National Police;
  • The fireworks and pyrotechnic devices shall be fired from a distance of at least 100 feet away from people;
  • The fireworks and pyrotechnic devices shall be projected upwards;
  • Duly licensed person shall supervise the fireworks and pyrotechnic devices display;
  • Sufficient first aid and fire protection equipment must be at hand;
  • The nearest fire station shall be notified of such fireworks and pyrotechnic devices display.

Manufacturers, dealers, retailers, fireworks display operators, those intending to hold fireworks and pyrotechnic device exhibition, and those intending to transport fireworks, and pyrotechnic devices need to secure the necessary permits and licenses.

Those below 18 years old are prohibited from buying fireworks and pyrotechnic devices.IMT