SAN RAFAEL, Bulacan—The Pyrotechnics Regulatory Board (PRB) inspected last Saturday the Dragon Fireworks Inc. (DFI), the biggest pyrotechnics factory in Southeast Asia and the different fireworks stalls in Barangay Turo in Bocaue, Bulacan.
Bulacan Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado and Vice Gov. Daniel R. Fernando led the inspection, together with the representatives of different provincial departments, such as the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, departments of Trade and Industry, Labor and Employment, Health, Bulacan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Provincial Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Office and other members of the PRB.
Also present were Joven Ong, the president of Philippine Fireworks Association and owner of the 8-hactare DFI factory; Celso Cruz, the chairman emeritus of Philippine Pyrotechnics Manufacturer and Dealers Association Inc. (PPMDAI); President Arlene Lea Alapide of the PPMDAI, among others.
The inspection was followed by a news conference.
Sy-Alvarado said the primary intention of the inspection is to show the PRB of Bulacan is active to prevent accidents involving the fireworks industry by making sure all laws and regulations are being followed.
“We are helping the national government implement the law, especially Executive Order 28 providing for the regulation and control of the use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices of the President,” the governor said.
Section 1 of the EO said the use of firecrackers shall be confined to community fireworks displays to minimize the risk of injuries and casualties. Section 2 states that pyrotechnic devices other than firecrackers may be used outside community fireworks displays subject to existing laws, rules and regulations.
Sy-Alvarado added the provincial government of Bulacan promotes aerial fireworks display. Anyone who will conduct big fireworks display, like in Ciudad de Victoria, must get a permit first before the execution and must be done with the supervision of professionals. Through Association of Southeast Asian Nations integration, products can enter countries without tax restriction by means of an agreement. The fireworks industry must be supported by the government in order to compete in the Asean regional market. Legal vendors can sell fireworks in designated areas only; this will be implemented strictly.
Meanwhile, Cruz said all fireworks, such as Super Lolo, Super Big Trianggulo, Baby Dynamite, weighing more than 200 milligrams in gun-powder content are strictly prohibited, according to the Republic Act 7183. He added the consumers can identify standard products by checking on the name of manufacturer and standard labeling classification, such as the Class 1 means indoor; Class 2 means the user must be 5 meters away from the fireworks; Class 3 means 25 meters away from the device; and Class 4 means for professional use only and must not be sold to inexperienced buyers.
Cruz also thanked Science Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña for supporting the fireworks industry.
A document the BusinessMirror acquired said the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) allocated P4.1 million for the training of fireworks personnel nationwide. The training on the careful and modernized manufacturing of fireworks and its regulations will take place in January next year. The DOST is currently communicating with the experts from other countries that will provide the training.