Business resumes for 319 firecracker makers, stores

MANILA, Philippines – As firecracker-related injuries continue to rise, the government has allowed over 300 additional firecracker manufacturers and stores nationwide to resume business.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said the work stoppage order (WSO) has been lifted against 319 establishments engaged in manufacturing and selling firecrackers.       

“After a thorough assessment, 319 establishments in Luzon and the Visayas were found compliant with labor and OSH (occupational safety and health) standards,” Bello disclosed.

He said the lifting of the WSO brought to 493 the total number of compliant establishments now allowed to manufacture and sell firecrackers.

“It’s always necessary to put the safety and protection of the workers first before anything else. We lifted the WSO for more establishments engaged in fireworks and pyrotechnics to ascertain their continuous compliance with labor standards as well as with safety and health standards,” Bello explained.

Bello said there are still 131 establishments with WSOs that are yet to be lifted and are undergoing assessments.

Once an establishment is found compliant with the requirements, Bello said, the DOLE regional office may recommend the lifting of the work stoppage order.

Bello previously issued WSO to all establishments engaged in the manufacture and sale of pyrotechnics following explosions in fireworks and pyrotechnic shops in Bulacan that killed five people and injured 30 others.

The provincial government of Bulacan, on the other hand, is campaigning for “Oplan Ingat Paputok” in the effort to reduce the number of fireworks-related injuries during the New Year celebration.

This went against the government’s “Iwas Paputok” campaign to scare people on using firecrackers and pyrotechnics.

Bulacan Gov. Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado said the province has been known as a major producer of firecrackers and pyrotechnics in the country.

To protect the source of livelihood for thousands of Bulakenyos, Alvarado said they are actively campaigning for responsible use of fireworks to prevent injuries or death.

Alvarado said parents should guide their children in the proper use of firecrackers and pyrotechnics.

The provincial disaster risk reduction management office is distributing flyers to the public to guide them in the proper use of fireworks products.

Celso Cruz of the Philippine Pyrotechnics Manufacturers and Dealers Association Inc., pointed out the difference in the government’s campaign against firecrackers. – With Mayen Jaymalin, Sheila Crisostomo, Ramon Efren Lazaro, Emmanuel Tupas, Eva Visperas, Jess Diaz, Elizabeth Marcelo

Photo shows a dog joining an anti-firecracker rally at the Quezon Memorial Circle yesterday.