Bulacan firecracker factories to reopen
The closure order on 48 establishments engaged in the manufacture and sale of pyrotechnics and firecrackers in Bulacan was lifted after complying with labor laws as well as occupational safety and health standards, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello said during the 83rd anniversary celebration of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) at the Occupational Safety and Health Center in Quezon City. File photo
MANILA, Philippines - More than half of firecracker establishments in Bulacan can resume operations, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello announced yesterday.
The closure order on 48 establishments engaged in the manufacture and sale of pyrotechnics and firecrackers in Bulacan was lifted after complying with labor laws as well as occupational safety and health standards, Bello said during the 83rd anniversary celebration of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) at the Occupational Safety and Health Center in Quezon City.
He said they are still assessing 40 other firecracker establishments in the province.
“Once an establishment complies with the requirements, the regional office may recommend the lifting of the work stoppage order,” he said.
Bello said the DOLE office in Central Luzon had inspected 88 firecracker factories and stores in Bulacan.
He issued a work stoppage order last month in response to recent explosions that left several persons dead. The closure order covers firecracker establishments in Central and Western Visayas.
The enforcement of the closure order was a joint effort of the DOLE, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection and local government units.
Bello said they are extending emergency employment assistance to affected workers.
He stressed the need to institute reforms in the firecracker industry to ensure the protection of workers. – With Ramon Efren Lazaro
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