BRISK BUSINESS Fireworks stores in Bocaue, the country’s fireworks capital, are enjoying brisk business despite the increase in prices as demand rises days before the revelry to greet the New Year. —Carmela Reyes-Estrope
BOCAUE, BULACAN, Philippines — Fireworks prices have begun to soar in this fireworks capital with just a few days left until the New Year celebrations as demand for pyrotechnics surged dramatically.
Close to 100 firecracker and pyrotechnic stalls have already been operating 24 hours in three designated pyrozone areas, primarily in Barangays Turo and Binang 1st.
This round-the-clock sales started on Thursday, the day after Christmas, according to Iya Bedro, a sales attendant at Majik Fireworks in Turo.
READ: Remulla to LGUs: Enforce regulations on firecrackers
In an interview, Bedro said they experienced significant price hikes on the most popular items, especially the local “kuwitis” (sky rockets) and “sawa,” which remained the favorites for welcoming the New Year.
“Prices have gone up from P8 to P9 per piece for kuwitis, and a bundle of 100 pieces now costs around P900, while the special branded ones can reach P1,200,” Bedro said.
Sawa, available in various quantities ranging from 500 to 10,000 rounds, is also experiencing price increases, now ranging from P500 to P10,000.
“These two types of fireworks are seeing an additional P50-100 increase,” she added, even as stocks quickly disappeared.
The demand is not limited to firecrackers, as the prices of aerial pyrotechnics have also increased in anticipation of more customers.
Items previously priced at P1,800 for 20 shots have increased to P2,000, with larger packages experiencing similar price jumps. For instance, a 36-shot package has surged from P3,500 to P4,500, and a 100-shot display, originally P9,500, is now pegged at P10,500. A grand showcase of 268 shots that once cost P38,000 now carries a hefty price tag of P45,000 to P48,000.
Congestion
Even smaller items like fountains have felt the price jumps, from P100 to P1,200 depending on the size. However, “luces” remain unchanged at P70 to P80 for a set of 10.
Due to the influx of buyers, traffic congestion has returned in areas along Turo roads leading toward Sta. Maria town and MacArthur Highway, where stalls stand in a long line.
Bulacan’s Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, led by Chief Manuel Lukban Jr., has stationed fire trucks and ambulances in Turo, complemented by roving patrols and assistance areas to ensure public safety.
At the provincial police headquarters in Camp Alejo Santos, Bulacan police director Col. Satur Ediong announced the disposal of confiscated illegal fireworks.
Items such as “plapla” and “Goodbye Philippines” firecrackers were being buried to eliminate potential hazards.
Police Brig. Gen. Rederico Maranan, Central Luzon police director, has earlier called for simultaneous disposal of illegally held firecrackers in provincial police offices in the region.
But in Aurora, Police Col. Reginald Francisco, the province’s police director, reported minimal fireworks sales as residents continued to recover from the devastation caused by Typhoon “Pepito” (international name: Man-yi) which struck the area in October.