Firecracker makers to give part of sales to 'Sendong' victims

MEYCAUAYAN CITY, Philippines – Pyrotechnics manufacturers and dealers yesterday said they would donate part of their sales this year to victims of tropical storm “Sendong” in the South.

This came even as the Department of Health (DOH) urged the public to give their budget for fireworks instead to the families displaced by Sendong.

“We will donate a certain percentage of our sales this year to Mindanao flood victims,” said Vimmie Erese, president of the Philippine Pyrotechnics Manufacturers and Dealers Association Inc. (PPMDAI).

She said her group would also accept donations from buyers.

“We are planning to send the donations to the victims of the calamity in Mindanao after the New Year, but we don’t necessarily agree with Secretary (Enrique) Ona’s call,” Erese said.

On Saturday, Ona called on New Year revelers to donate instead the money they would spend for firecrackers to the calamity victims.

Earlier, Erese said they expect lower sales this year due to low production.

She said the number of registered manufacturers has dropped, while the prices of raw materials, which are mostly imported, have gone up.