Still quiet in PH firecracker capital

BESTSELLERS A stall in Bocaue, Bulacan province, displays the town’s bestselling fireworks and pyrotechnic products in this photo taken after Christmas last year. —GRIG C.MONTEGRANDE

BOCAUE, BULACAN—While many Filipinos will try to ward off bad luck and evil spirits in the coming new year, fireworks makers in Bulacan province may not have enough supply to meet the demand.

President Rodrigo Duterte recently asked those in the pyrotechnics business to look for another job as this might be the last year they could operate, threatening to declare a total ban on the use of fireworks in 2021.

In 2017, Mr. Duterte signed an executive order that restricted the use of firecrackers to community fireworks displays “to minimize the risk of casualties, especially during the holiday festivities.”

Since then, only licensed manufacturers and dealers numbering about 500 have been left to operate, said Lea Alapide, president of Philippine Pyrotechnics Manufacturers and Dealers Association Inc.

Small players

In Bocaue town, considered the country’s “fireworks capital,” about 30 licensed manufacturers remain, Alapide said. Due to the tightened regulations on firecrackers, their sales have dropped by 30 to 40 percent since 2017.

The Philippine National Police has also intensified its operation against illegal firecrackers and pyrotechnic products that has led to closure of small stores.

Alapide appealed to local governments to allow retailing and reselling of licensed fireworks and pyrotechnic devices in their areas during the peak season from Dec. 26 to Dec. 31, so small players could earn during the holidays.

She said many suppliers had failed to meet the orders of their customers due to the community quarantine. “Most of the workers, store attendants and helpers were stranded in the provinces because of the pandemic,” she said. —CARMELA REYES-ESTROPE INQ