The firecracker ban in Metro Manila and limited provincial trips are now affecting the sale of fireworks and other lighting devices in Bocaue, Bulacan.
Aside from the lower number of buyers, prices have also increased by 10 to 50 percent. According to sellers, the current decline in sales is also brought about by the impact of the lockdown and the recent typhoons to manufacturers in Bulacan.
A 50 percent price increase has been recorded in lighting products such as fountain and luces while a 10 to 20 percent rise has been recorded in fireworks and products named Chinese crackers, bombshell, missile, and rocket. Lighting products and firecracker stores are now open for 24 hours in Bulacan amid the upcoming welcoming of New Year.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has warned vendors to do away with selling of prohibited firecrackers. Among the banned products are Watusi, Piccolo, Pop-pop, Five Star, Pla-Pla, Lolo Thunder, Giant Bawang, Giant Whistlebomb, Atomic Bomb, Atomic Triangle, Judas Belt, and Goodbye De Lima.
Consumers are likewise advised by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to purchase products with product safety standards. – Report from Cleizl Pardilla
