MANILA, Philippines – It’s business as usual for more firecracker factories and stores in Bulacan.
Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello announced yesterday the lifting of the work stoppage order against 18 more firecracker establishments in the province.
The closure order was lifted upon the recommendation of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-Central Luzon office.
Bello said the establishments complied with general laws as well as occupational safety and health standards.
Last week, Bello lifted the closure order on 48 other firecracker firms in Bulacan.
DOLE inspected 88 establishments in the province of which 24 are engaged in the manufacture and 64 in the sale of firecrackers.
Bello said more firecracker establishments would reopen upon compliance with the requirements.
The closure order was imposed last month in response to recent explosions that left several persons dead.
Bello said the DOLE is providing emergency employment assistance to workers in establishments that remain closed.
At least 130 companies are engaged in the sale and manufacture of firecrackers and pyrotechnics in Bulacan as well as in Central and Western Visayas.