Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival has issued an executive order restricting the sale and display of firecrackers and fireworks to a single designated site at the South Road Properties (SRP).
The city aims to tighten safety controls ahead of the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
The directive, Executive Order No. 047, Series of 2025, outlines where fireworks may be sold and used, sets operational and safety standards for vendors, and reiterates prohibited zones to reduce the risk of fire, injuries, and other holiday-related incidents.
Archival announced the order during a press conference on Monday, December 22, saying the city needed clear rules to guide vendors, buyers, and enforcement agencies.
“This executive order specifically designates where firecrackers may be sold and where they may be set off. Anyone who wants to buy or use firecrackers should only do so in the designated area,” the mayor said.
Single selling zone
Under the order, the sale and public display of firecrackers are permitted only at Pond F in the South Road Properties, effective from December 18 until January 1, 2026. All other areas in Cebu City are considered unauthorized selling zones.
Archival said vendors had already begun setting up at the SRP site, but emphasized that only those with valid permits from the Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO) would be allowed to operate.
“I made it clear that vendors must be registered and compliant with the Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO),” he said.
The mayor described the SRP location as an open area far from residential neighborhoods, making it more manageable for crowd control and emergency response.
Mandatory safety standards
The executive order requires all authorized stalls to observe strict safety measures, including a minimum distance of six meters between stalls, visible safety warnings such as ‘No Smoking’ signs, and the availability of fire extinguishers, water, and sand at each selling area.
Parking areas must be located at least 15 meters away from firecracker stalls, and vendors are strictly prohibited from testing or igniting fireworks within or near the selling zone.
As an added safeguard, Archival said the city government deployed a firetruck and water tanker to remain on standby at the SRP firecracker area.
“I placed a firetruck there so that in case of an emergency, we can immediately respond,” he said.
Use restricted near sensitive sites
The order also bans the use of firecrackers and pyrotechnics in sensitive locations, including hospitals, clinics, schools, daycare centers, public parks, plazas, marketplaces, and residential areas within 50 meters of hospitals, schools, and churches.
Violators face penalties that may include confiscation of firecrackers and the imposition of fines, depending on the seriousness of the offense and applicable laws.
Barangays told to stay vigilant
Archival directed barangay disaster risk reduction and management teams to intensify monitoring within their communities to prevent illegal firecracker use, particularly in densely populated residential areas.
“Our barangay disaster teams were instructed to remain alert and active at all times because there may be people lighting firecrackers within their neighborhoods,” the mayor said. “They were ordered to stay prepared at all times.”
City officials have repeatedly pointed out that barangays play a key role in enforcement, especially in areas where narrow streets and closely built houses increase the risk of fire.
Safety backdrop
The executive order was issued amid heightened concern over firecracker-related injuries nationwide.
The Department of Health earlier reported a thirty-eight percent increase in firework-related injuries, with cases rising from 610 in 2024 to 843 in 2025.
Police have also renewed warnings against the sale and use of 31 banned firecrackers, including watusi, piccolo, lolo thunder, boga, and atomic bomb, which are prohibited under Republic Act 7183. Violators may face imprisonment of up to one year and fines of up to P20,000.
The SRP has long been identified as Cebu City’s official firecracker zone under City Ordinance No. 2290, which bans firecrackers in residential areas and near power lines and substations.
Archival said authorities expect closer monitoring and firmer safety assessments as the peak days for firecracker sales approach, particularly on December 23 and 24. (LLP)
Cebu City sets SRP as primary firecracker zone ahead of New Year
Cebu City is tightening safety measures ahead of the New Year by designating the South Road Properties (SRP) as the...
