MANILA, Philippines — The government has begun preparations for the New Year celebration with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) saying it has intensified its monitoring of fireworks being offered for sale to the public.
The Department of Health (DOH) is usually the agency responsible for releasing data on fireworks-related injuries (FWRI), which typically surge in the days shortly before and after New Year’s Day.
But the DOH has so far not released any data, apparently because of fewer injuries reported so far.
Last year, the DOH recorded a 50-percent rise in FWRIs from Dec. 21, 2023, to Jan. 5, 2024, compared to its previous surveillance period.
READ: PNP cracks down on online sale of illegal fireworks for holidays
The DOH reported in its final report last year that 609 individuals were hurt due to firecrackers, which is almost twice the 307 cases logged during the surveillance cycle from Dec. 21, 2022, to Jan. 5, 2023.
READ: DTI vows to go after sellers and manufacturers of ‘uncertified’ firecrackers
DOH data showed that most FWRIs occurred in Metro Manila (320, 52 percent), followed by the Ilocos Region (61, 10 percent), Calabarzon (49, 8 percent), and Central Luzon (43, 7 percent).
It likewise indicated that 96 percent of the sum FWRI happened at home and in the streets, and mostly involved males.
This year, the authorities have begun focusing on the suppliers of fireworks.
Two weeks ago, Trade Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque urged consumers to purchase only certified fireworks to guarantee safe and worry-free celebrations.
“For our part, we will conduct more intensified monitoring this season,” Gino Mallari, director of the DTI’s Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB), said at a media forum in Makati City over the weekend.
Mallari’s statement came in response to appeals from legal firecracker manufacturers for stricter enforcement against the sale of uncertified products, which they say impacts their livelihood.
“We can issue cease and desist orders for the manufacturers and then I believe there is a special law enforced by the [Philippine National Police] with criminal aspect for violations,” he said.
He assured constant coordination with the PNP, particularly in gathering and sharing information on where the uncertified products might be found.
Local ordinances
The DTI-FTEB is also working with local governments to enforce ordinances and designate areas for the display and sale of certified firecrackers.
The Bureau of Philippine Standards has published a comprehensive list of certified fireworks on the DTI’s website.
On the part of the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole), it reminded establishments in the pyrotechnics industry to strictly adhere to Occupational Safety and Health Standards.
Labor Advisory No. 15 issued on Saturday states that companies must ensure a safe and healthful workplace for all workers.
The Dole directed all regional directors to monitor compliance of establishments and coordinate with national and local agencies for monitoring, including the PNP, local governments and Bureau of Fire Protection.
The regional directors will submit the list of monitored establishments to the Bureau of Working Conditions not later than Jan. 10, 2025. —PNA