By Aileen P. Refuerzo   BAGUIO CITY — Mayor Benjamin Magalong reminded the public of the existing ban on the use, sale and manufacture of firecrackers in the city. This is in the wake of complaints received on incidents of firecracker explosions reported in different barangays. Magalong said there is a need to strictly implement the ordinance to prevent injuries caused by legally and illegally bought pyrotechnics in the city. The city has for years maintained its long-running stance based on the original statute Ordinance No. 144, series of 1951 amended by Ordinance No. 53, series of 2009. Ordinance No. 53 series of 2009 states: “There shall be a total ban at all times in the city of all kinds of firecrackers prohibited by the national law.” The ordinance prohibits the sale and explosion of firecrackers and fireworks within the city limits except on special occasions such as fiestas, celebration of important events for which a written permit is granted by the City Mayor. So far, the city has not issued any permit for any individual or group to sell firecracakers. The prohibited firecrackers include big triangle, rebentador (5 star), watusi, pla-pla, pillbox, mother rocket, og, firecrackers without labels, and others of similar nature.  It also includes all firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices banned by the national government. Any person, firm, entity or corporation violating the provisions of this Ordinance will be liable to a case of misdemeanor and punishments as follows: first offense — confiscation of the firecrackers and fireworks and a fine of P2,000;  second offense — fine of P3,000 to P5,000 at the discretion of the court; and third offense — revocation of business permit and imprisonment for not more than 30 days at the discretion of the court. To discourage people from using firecrackers, the city had in the past years organized a community fireworks display to prevent possible accidents aside from minimizing smoke emission caused by the firecrackers. This year, the city prepared again a New Year’s Countdown program at the Melvin Jones which is expected to include a fireworks display. MGA BAWAL NA PAPUTOK Ordinance No. 53 series of 2009 prohibits the sale or explosion of firecrackers within the city limits except on special occasions such as fiestas, celebration of important events, where a written permit is granted by the City Mayor. The prohibited firecrackers include big triangle, rebentador (5 star), watusi, pla-pla, pillbox, mother rocket, og, firecrackers without labels, and others of similar nature during the Christmas and New Year celebrations. “There shall be a total ban at all times in the city of all kinds of firecrackers prohibited by the national law,” the measure stressed. On such occasions when selling is allowed by authority of the mayor, fire safety measures will be adopted such as the sellers will be required to observe the following: the seller shall secure certification from the Bureau of Fire Protection; install fire safety equipment and devices along with a “No Smoking” sign.  No testing of firecrackers must be done in the premises and that no overcrowding of products must be ensured.  Any firecracker devices that remain unfired after the display shall immediately be disposed of in a safe way.

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and John Hay Management Corporation (JHMC) sealed their partnership with one of the longest-standing locators in Camp John Hay, Stern Real Estate and Development Corporation, the operator of Le Monet Hotel and Filling Station food court, on December 17. This forms part of BCDA’s promise of business continuity within Camp John Hay, an effort to accelerate  inclusive economic development and spur job opportunities for the Filipino people. Stern, known for its flagship Le Monet Hotel and the unique Filling Station food court, has been a cornerstone in the region’s eco-tourism and hospitality sectors. “We want to assure all our partners here inside the Camp John Hay that they have nothing to fear, their condition will improve even more when they partner with BCDA and that is what we are assuring with our first partner now – Le Monet Hotel,” said BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Engr. Joshua M. Bingcang. Engr. Bingcang noted that the Le Monet Hotel and Filling Station are not only a vital component of Camp John Hay’s economic landscape, but also a symbol of the kind of innovative development that BCDA hopes to see in the years ahead. “More than anything else, this signing is part of BCDA’s promise of business continuity in John Hay. We will make every effort for a smooth transition and a harmonious business environment moving forward,” BCDA Chairperson Atty. Hilario B. Paredes said. Under their partnership, the property, which covers over 2,000 square meters, will continue to serve as prime destinations for both leisure and dining in Baguio City. Stern has committed to upgrade and enhance its leased properties within Camp John Hay to meet the standards outlined in the John Hay Special Economic Zone Comprehensive Master Plan. The development will strictly adhere to the design standards and guidelines to ensure consistency with the eco-tourism and commercial vision for the area. The signing event was led by Engr. Bingcang and Stern Executive Vice President Eric Owen Singson, Jr., marking the beginning of a promising partnership for Camp John Hay’s future growth.        

  International Artist Myse Salonga personally visited, to pay a courtesy call to Mayor Benjamin Magalong, after being crowned as Noble Queen of Culture and Arts during the 6th Edition Crowning and Awarding Ceremony of the Noble Queen of the Universe Advocacy International Pageant held at the Cities Events Place, Sgt Esquerra St., Quezon City, Manila on December 8. According to Salonga, who has a house in Barangay Dontogan, the visit to the good Mayor was in gratitude for his support in her first art exhibition at The Manor Camp John Hay, Baguio City, where the painting was almost sold out, with the beneficiary being the Baguio Autism Society. Salonga was accompanied in the courtesy call by another well-known and talented international artist, Carmela Geisert, and here they met and was photographed with RJ Bryan Wangag, who also helps the artists.