By Liezelle Soriano

MANILA — Muntinlupa City has prohibited the use and sale of firecrackers leading up to the New Year’s Eve celebration through City Ordinance No. 14-092.

“The use and sale of firecrackers or any type of pyrotechnic device in the City of Muntinlupa are strictly prohibited, by City Ordinance No. 14-092,” stated the local government unit in a recent announcement.

First-time offenders violating the firecracker ban may face a fine of P1,000 or imprisonment for one (1) month but not less than two (2) days, or a combination of both penalties.

For a second offense, individuals may be subject to imprisonment for not more than six (6) months but not less than three (3) months, or a fine of P3,000, or both.

Meanwhile, a third offense could result in a fine of P5,000 or imprisonment for no more than six (6) months but not less than three (3) months, or both.

“Let us welcome Christmas and the New Year safely and peacefully,” emphasized the local government unit.

Earlier, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) advocated for a nationwide ban on firecrackers.

“We can celebrate New Year revelries in an orderly manner. We should organize fireworks displays in designated areas to prevent accidents,” commented Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos.

(IAmigo/MNM)

Organized by Collegio de Muntinlupa in collaboration with DOST-National Capital Region, DepEd Schools Division Office (SDO)-Muntinlupa City, De La Salle Santiago Zobel School (DLSZ), and the Mechatronics and Robotics Society of the Philippines (MRSP), the city government of Muntinlupa recently launched the 2023 Robotics Fair and Exhibit at Collegio de Muntinlupa.

The event featured a diverse array of robotics innovations, including design concepts, prototyping builds, and expert-level prototypes from high schools, colleges, universities, and private industries.

The three-day (November 14-16) fair encompassed exhibits, demonstrations, workshops, robotics competitions, cosplay, 3D printing contests, and a quiz bee (science quest), aiming to both educate and inspire individuals of all ages about the realm of robotics.

The showcased prototypes also emphasized their potential contribution to creating smarter, environmentally friendly, and sustainable cities, addressing challenges posed by climate change, population growth, and resource scarcity.

(Benjamin Cuaresma/ai/mnm)