Few Bulacan fireworks makers renewed license

MALOLOS – Almost half of fireworks manufacturers in Bulacan did not renew their license, an official said yesterday.

As of Tuesday, only 17 manufacturers had their license renewed compared to 30 during the same period last year, Superintendent Stephen Requina, Bureau of Fire Protection provincial director, said.

However, Requina said the number of fireworks dealers increased to 97 compared to only 53 in 2016.

At a recent summit initiated by the Pyrotechnics Regulatory Board of Bulacan, several fireworks manufacturers said they decided not to renew their license amid concerns that a total ban on the use of firecrackers would be imposed nationwide.

Manufacturers also expressed apprehension that the sale of firecrackers would be affected in view of Executive Order 28 that President Duterte issued last June.

Duterte said the EO is expected to address a number of firecracker-related injuries and deaths involving even bystanders.

EO 28 regulates the use of pyrotechnics and fireworks and allows the use of firecrackers only in designated areas.

Joven Ong, president of the Philippine Fireworks Association, clarified that the EO allows the use of pyrotechnics, including sparklers, luces, fountain, Roman candle and trompillo, outside residences.

Fireworks stakeholders lamented that with barely two weeks before the New Year celebration, local government officials have yet to designate fireworks display areas.

The EO mandates local officials to issue permits, indicating the date, time and specific areas where fireworks displays can be held in keeping with national standards, rules and regulations.