THE Bulacan Pyrotechnic Regulatory Board (PRB) today conducted an inspection of fireworks stalls located along Barangay Turo, Bocaue, Bulacan.
The inspection was done by the PRB led by its chairman, Bulacan Governor Daniel Fernando to avoid pyrotechnic-related accidents and to make sure that Bulakenyos and pyrotechnic consumers will have a safe and peaceful New Year celebration,.
Gov. Fernando was accompanied by Engr. Celso Cruz, Marlene Lea Alapide from the Philippine Pyrotechnics Manufacturers and Dealers Association (PPMDAI), Joven Ong from the Philippine Fireworks Association, Bulacan Police acting director PCol. Manuel Lukban Jr., representatives from the Bocaue local government unit, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO), and Bureau of Fire Protection.
Bulacan, known as the “Pyrotechnics Capital of the Philippines,” ensures that firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices’ manufacturers, dealers and retailers in Bulacan will comply with President Rodrigo Duterte’s Executive Order No. 28 – Providing for the Regulation and Control of the Use of Firecrackers and Pyrotechnic Devices, which states that the use of fireworks and other related products are not totally banned but it only regulates the use of it to prevent accidents.
The inspection was also done to assure that the rules and regulations stated in Republic Act No. 7183 on manufacturing, sale and distribution are being observed by manufacturers, dealers and retailers.
Accordingly, there are only 82 licensed dealers of firecrackers and fireworks in the province and 20 licensed manufacturers that are allowed to sell the products and nine manufacturers that carry the Philippine Standard.
Among the fireworks stores that were inspected are Night Light Fireworks, 878 Fireworks and RT Sayo Fireworks, all located in Gov. Halili Avenue in Barangay Turo, Bocaue.
Cruz, PRB vice chair, said firecrackers that are overweight and oversized, which exceeds 1.3 teaspoon or more than 0.2 grams of net explosive ingredients, are not allowed to be used and without proper regulation, it might also be hazardous to one’s health.
Other firecrackers banned are Piccolo, Super Lolo, whistle bomb, Goodbye Earth, Judas Belt and Watusi.
The governor said that even the use of some firecrackers and fireworks are allowed, he continuously warned Bulakenyos that having organized events which may attract more people are being discouraged due to the pandemic.
He requested Bulakenyos to be more cautious during this time especially when using firecrackers and guaranteed that sellers are compliant to the rules.
During the inspection, the “No Testing and No Smoking” policies are also being observed in the stall areas wherein owners are also obligated to put large containers filled with water for precautionary measures.
PCol. Lukban said that the Bulacn Police Provincial Office have already conducted regular dialogue and surprise inspection with the fireworks owners and retailers prior to the inspection to assure the safety of public consumers and the industry as well.
“Mananatili tayong nakabantay 24/7 sa mga fireworks market partikular na sa bayan ng Bocaue, Santa Maria, San Miguel, Norzagaray, Baliwag at sa mga lugar na mayroong nagbebenta ng paputok,” Lukban said.
Meanwhile, Ong said that they are expecting a fireworks shortage before December 31 as consumers’ demand for this year alreaady doubled.
It was learned that the cost of fireworks and firecrackers this year has also doubled, he added.
Aside from that, sellers are also compliant to ATF regulations on social distancing and safety health protocols as observed during the inspection.