The City Council passed on final reading the ordinance banning the release of balloons and sky lanterns in the city during yesterday’s regular session.
The ordinance banned “all flying balloons and sky lanterns within the territorial jurisdiction and airspace of Davao City with the exemption of those used for research purposes in the field of science and technology and hot air balloons intended for transportation and recreation.”
According to Councilor Mabel Sunga-Acosta, the law shall fine any act of intentional release of flying balloons and lighted sky lanterns with P3,000 for the first offense, P3,500 for the second offense, and P5,000 for the third offense.
“The intentional release of balloons is those that release balloons for specific occasions,” Acosta said.
With the approval of the ordinance, the customs of releasing balloons during funerals will now be stopped.
“We also have a law prohibiting us to litter so if we release balloon in the open, it will go anywhere, whether in the canals, high power lines, or bodies of water. This is a concern of public safety as well as the environment,” Acosta said.
Meanwhile, the release of sky lanterns is also banned with its threat to the public safety.
“Sky lanterns are also prohibited because it is a naked flame and it may start a fire,” she said.
The ordinance will take effect 15 days upon approval and publication in a local newspaper.
