Balloon releasing banned soon

Flying of balloons mostly in events or funeral will be soon no longer allowed in the city following the passing in second reading the ordinance prohibiting the release of balloons and sky lanterns in the city.

Councilor Maria Belen Acosta who chairs the committee on public safety authored the said proposed ordinance that primarily focuses “public safety,” she said.

“Public welfare is foremost in this proposed ordinance. Public safety and environmental protection are paramount in the city council’s policy directions,” she said.

Violators will be fined P3,000 for first offense, P3,500 for second offense, and P5,000 for third offense.

Acosta, meanwhile clarified that the proposed ordinance will not completely ban balloons in the city.

“It is not a total ban. Only the release of flying balloons is not allowed,” she said.

The councilor pushed the said statute primarily for safety purpose.

“It may pose safety risks for low flying aircrafts, power lines, litter anywhere, fall into bodies of water and get mistaken as food by marine animals which may cause their death,” Acosta said referring to balloons.

“In the case of lighted sky lanterns, its open flame may also cause fire,” she added.

Acosta also mentioned the relevance of the proposed ordinance for environmental protection.

“Policy directions are going towards reduction of single use plastics and more efficient solid waste management,” she said.

The Interface Development Interventions (IDIS) expressed its support for the said ordinance.

“We, from IDIS and also on behalf of the Sustainable Davao Movement are really looking forward that this will be passed as an ordinance,” Ruel Kenneth Felices, Partnership Building Officer said.

“Considering Davao City is surrounded by bodies of water, it is of great call to pass the policy to ensure a conducive environment for our wildlife and marine animals. The visual impact of the fallen, deflated balloons and lanterns, and the risk of harm to environment and animals which they pose are too obvious to be neglected,” he added.

Acosta also signified the support from the events organizers.

“Thank you to the Davao Event organizers sector. During the series of committee hearings that were held, they manifested their full support for the ordinance,” she said. (Julianne A. Suarez)