BAN Toxics back the DILG's call for an outright Ban on Firecrackers

Wazzup Pilipinas!?




Toxic watchdog group BAN Toxics supports the call to ban the sale and use of firecrackers nationwide. The DILG Secretary Benjamin "Benhur" C. Abalos, Jr. made the statement on December 18, calling on all local government units to enact an ordinance banning the use and sale of firecrackers to prevent firecracker-related injuries in the country.

“We support a shift to a safer holiday season in the country. We need to remember “safety first” for our children and the community from the health and environmental pollutants from firecrackers,” said Thony Dizon, Toxics Campaigner of BAN Toxics.

Early this month, the group launched the “Iwas paputok, Iwas disgrasya, Iwas polusyon” campaign together with the school, local officials, and representatives from the Philippine National Police and Bureau of Fire Protection, urging the public not to light firecrackers for the health and environmental effects of firecrackers and promoting a toxic-free and waste-free Christmas and New Year celebration.

In 2018, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) issued a Memorandum Circular (MC) 2018-216, aimed to regulate and control the use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices, in compliance with the provisions of EO no. 28 and provide additional guidance to all concerned particularly on allowable and prohibited types of fireworks. The said MC reiterates its campaign against illegal firecrackers.

Since 2002, Davao City has been implementing City Ordinance 060-02, “An ordinance prohibiting the manufacture, sale, distribution, possession, or use of firecrackers or pyrotechnic devices and such other similar devices and the exploding of firecrackers or other similar explosives within the territorial jurisdiction of Davao City.

According to the group's research, the entire Bicol Region, the provinces of Aurora and Zambales, and more than 40 LGUs have already enacted a total and/or partial ban on the sale and use of firecrackers from 2009 to 2022. These include Angeles City, Baguio City, Caloocan City, Cebu City, Davao City, Kidapawan City, Las Pinas City, Makati City, Malabon City, Mandaluyong City, Mandaue City, Manila City, Marikina City, Muntinlupa City, Navotas City, Olongapo City, Paranaque City, Pasay City, Pasig City, Pateros, Quezon City, San Juan City, Taguig City, Tarlac City, Valenzuela City, and Zamboanga City.

The Bicol Region, which comprises 6 provinces, 7 cities, and 107 municipalities, has issued an RPOC Resolution banning firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices in the Bicol region in 2020.

The issuance of Executive Order No. 28, which authorized the local chief executives to promulgate the necessary rules and regulations on firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices, has fast-tracked the enactment of such LGU ordinances within their territorial jurisdiction in conformity with the national standards, rules, and regulations.

“To ensure a safer celebration for the coming year, BAN Toxics urge the local government officials to enact an ordinance banning the sale and use of firecrackers to safeguard and protect human health, especially that of children and the environment,” the group added.

SSS signs MOA with BOC Region IX for social security coverage of Job Order, Contract of Service workers

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The Social Security System (SSS) recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Bureau of Customs (BOC) – Region IX in Zamboanga City to implement the KaSSSangga Collect Program for the social security coverage and protection of 16 Job Order (JO) and Contract of Service (COS) workers.

Under the agreement, the SSS shall register BOC’s JO and COS workers as SSS self-employed members while BOC shall remit their monthly contributions through an automatic salary deduction scheme to qualify them for benefits and privileges under the Social Security (SS) and Employees’ Compensation (EC) Programs.


Photo shows SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Rolando Ledesma Macasaet (3rd from left) shaking hands with BOC Region IX Acting Chief for Administrative Division Lelisa R. Gaceta (4th from left), as they are joined by (from left to right) SSS Senior Vice President for Mindanao Operations Group Edwin M. Alo, SSS Executive Vice President for Branch Operations Sector Voltaire P. Agas, and BOC Client Service Representative – Port of Zamboanga Sheiry Anne M. Abdulhaih.


The MOA signing was held during the Stakeholders’ Forum at the Palacio Del Sur in Zamboanga City on November 7, 2023, and was witnessed by more than 220 participants including employer representatives, employees, informal sector workers, farmers and fisherfolks, Overseas Filipino Workers, pensioners, and other SSS beneficiaries.


In addition, the Philippine Port Authority – Port Management Office in Zamboanga City also signed a similar MOA with the SSS during the forum.

Will Mikhael's Anticipated "(I’m So) Into You" Music Video, a Visual Spectacle Crafted by FEU Digital Cinema Students in Collaboration with Universal Records

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Universal Records Inc. proudly announces the anticipated release of the official music video for "(I’m So) Into You," a soulful single by the rising Cebuano artist, Will Mikhael. Produced in collaboration with Far Eastern University (FEU) Digital Cinema students, this creative partnership promises to deliver a captivating visual narrative that harmonizes seamlessly with the artist's unique musical style.

The music video also starred by Eliah Riego, Ralf Eleosida and Eli Karl Calma promises to be a celebration of both sound and sight, showcasing the enchanting visuals and cultural richness of Binondo, Manila. This picturesque backdrop serves as the perfect complement to Will Mikhael's distinctive sound, creating an immersive experience that is bound to resonate with audiences.

In a groundbreaking display of collaboration, the students from FEU and Will Mikhael unite their raw talents and skills, highlighting the immense potential for synergy between up-and-coming musical artists and aspiring filmmakers within the industry.

Led by the director Axl Edison, the creative force behind Salimbayan Films, this collaborative effort brings together a talented ensemble. Jameil Adal serves as Assistant Director, Paolo Navarro as Producer and Production Manager, Kai Noval as Director of Photography, Jomz Caagbay and Kiara Ricamara as Production Designers, Anriane Sablan and Dheyleen Cruz as Wardrobe, Trisha See and Dharra Manalo as Hair and Make-up Artists, Mariel Maga as Script Continuity, Chariz Dudas as Editor, Ethan Bardaje as Layout Artist, Clark Montalban and Yuan Liangco as Camera Operators and Gaffer, Ashley Reyes as Location Manager, and Jimwel Tablante as Production Assistant.

Under the creative supervision of Jerome Vargas, alongside Will Mikhael’s manager Anj Abad and UR Label representative Dan Eligado, this collaborative venture underscores the potential for extraordinary outcomes when diverse talents unite.

The highly anticipated official music video for "(I’m So) Into You" is set to be unleashed on December 21, promising a visual feast that mirrors the dynamic fusion of musical artistry and the creative prowess of budding filmmakers. Brace yourselves for a compelling journey that transcends musical and visual boundaries, brought to you by the collaborative spirit of Will Mikhael, FEU Digital Cinema students, and Universal Records Inc.