ADMITTEDLY, the Philippines is a long way from totally banning the manufacture, sale and use of fireacrackers and pyrotechnic devices.

This, despite the fact that two major cities — Davao in Mindanao and Quezon in Metro Manila — have imposed a total ban on firecrackers

Various quarters said a total ban would kill the country’s firecracker industry, which employs thousands of Filipinos, mostly laborers.

“Ang kailangan ay hanapan muna natin ng ibang magandang trabaho ang mga maaapektuhang manggagawa,” said a farmer.

One of the farmer’s sons works as a messenger in a government-licensed firecracker manufacturer in Bocaue, Bulacan.

In opposing the total ban on firecrackers, the Philippine Pyrotechnics Manufacturers, Dealers Association, Inc. said “we just want to make a living.”

Lea Alapide, head of the highly-influential association, was reportedly quoted as saying that “the proposal (ban) should be studied throughly.”

Those against the total ban said the government should instead prioritize the improvement in the monitoring of illegal manufacturers.

We share their view because there’s a need to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the people, notably during the so-called “New Year” revelry.

In seconds, people’s lives, mostly kids, are changed or wasted because of the use of illegal or defective firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices.

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