JANUARY 1 TRADITIONAL BLAST

MINOR injuries were sustained by three persons, the first time in 15 years that anyone was hurt, in the annual tradition of lighting 100,000 firecrackers at 12 noon of January 1 in Barangay Pogo Grande, Dagupan City.

Barangay Chairman George Galvan said the victims were immediately brought to Region 1 Medical Center for treatment by the ambulances from the city government and the Red Cross that were on standby.

“Tilansik lang naman … It was unexpected but we put the safety guards. Maybe they were too excited, they wanted to be close to the area where the firecrackers were hanged,” Galvan said.

Galvan noted that residents and visitors have been adequately informed and warned to stay several meters away from the firecracker set-up to avoid accidents.

The incidents have prompted the barangay council to discuss and decide whether the tradition will be stopped or continue but determine what safety measures can be adopted.

Aside from the ambulances, two firetrucks from the city and PANDA Volunteers Fire Brigade were stationed in the area.

Galvan said the barangay is prepared to extend further help to the victims who are from Calasiao town, one of them an ice cream vendor.

As in previous years, residents help out in stringing together the firecrackers made up of about 100,000 pieces of different types, particularly “3- and 5-star triangles”

The spectacle is capped by a big bang in the end from a locally-made bomb.

Galvan also said unlike in previous years when balikabayans shouldered the expenses for the traditional event, the barangay paid for the P30,000 worth of firecrackers.

Former Mayor Alipio Fernandez Jr., who led the ceremonial lighting, described the tradition as the people’s show of unity in welcoming the new year.

Men clad as the Three Kings also went around to distribute candies during the celebration.–Eva Visperas

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