Bulacan fireworks makers call for regulation, not total ban

BOCAUE, Bulacan, Philippines — Fireworks stakeholders in this province have appealed to President Duterte to implement strict regulations in the industry to prevent injuries instead of a total ban.

The appeal was made during the inspection of fireworks stalls by the Pyrotechnic Regulatory Board (PRB) of Bulacan chaired by Gov. Daniel Fernando in Barangay Turo yesterday.

Fernando tasked Celso Cruz, chairman emeritus of the Philippine Pyrotechnics Manufacturers and Dealers Association Inc. and PRB vice chairman, to come out with additional regulations.

Brig. Gen. Valeriano de Leon, Central Luzon police director, said there are 265 identified community fireworks display areas in Central Luzon for the New Year celebration.

Twelve are in Aurora,18 in Bataan, 78 in Bulacan, 32 in Nueva Ecija, 40 in Pampanga, 29 in Tarlac, 55 in Zambales and one in Olongapo City.

Joven Ong, president of the Philippine Fireworks Association, said the latest memorandum of the Department of the Interior and Local Government allows the use of consumer pyrotechnics outside homes.

Ong explained that consumer pyrotechnics is different from fireworks displays as they are used by individuals and is also different from firecrackers.