By John Noel E. Herrera
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-6 has warned consumers about buying non-certified fireworks and firecrackers to avoid any untoward incidents during New Year’s celebration.
DTI-6 said the public should carefully look for PS marks when buying firecrackers as the quality mark indicates that the product underwent quality and safety tests by the DTI-Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS) and consumers can be assured that these are safe to use.
“Kung wala gani sang PS mark, ang gwa ‘ya na is indi certified (ang product). Indi man na naton mahambal nga substandard kay ti hindi kita na sigurado, pero ang punto sina is wala na siya ma-test sang DTI-BPS rason nga wala PS mark, so it is uncertified,” DTI-6 officer-in-charge (OIC) assistant director Felisa Judith Degala said.
DTI-PBS, which serves as the National Standard Body (NSB) of the Philippines, is mandated to develop, promulgate, and implement standards for all products in the country, to promote standardization activities, and to ensure the manufacture, production, and distribution of quality products for consumers’ protection and safety.
Degala added that the public should scrutinize fireworks and firecrackers and check the labels, like their brand, manufacturer, and address, and be vigilant when buying.
DTI-6 also clarified that there are no imported fireworks in the market, even those with ICC (Import Commodity Clearance) marks, as all the fireworks in the region are locally manufactured.
“Wala dapat (makita) sa markets sang imported kay ang imported may ICC mark. So, wala dapat sang makita nga may ICC mark nga fireworks as all must only bear PS mark. Wala kita sang ICC sticker, purely PS mark,” Degala said.
DTI also listed 14 certified fireworks brands that the public should buy – Dragon Fireworks by Dragon Fireworks Inc. (license number Q-1253); Diamond by Diamond Fireworks Inc. (Q-1469); LF Fireworks by Legendary Fireworks Inc. (Q-1903); Pegasus by Pegasus Fireworks (Q-1904); Phoenix by Phoenix Fireworks (Q-1337); Double L by Double L Fireworks (Q-1989); Nation by Nation Fireworks (Q-1388); LLF by Leonardo’s Fireworks Manufacturing (Q-4505); Andy’s Fireworks by Andy Moldogo Firecrackers (Q-4413); Pyro Kreations Fireworks (Q-1352); Yangco Fireworks (Q-4551); Star Light (Q-4667); A. Santiago Fireworks (Q-4757), and 4SURE Fireworks (Q-4802).
The DTI central office earlier said that the list only has PS-licensed companies, as Republic Act 7183 or the Pyrotechnic Devices Law prohibits the importation of finished firecrackers and fireworks.
DTI-6 also emphasized that those distributors, retailers, wholesalers, and manufacturers who are selling firecrackers and fireworks without certification from the DTI-BPS will be facing penalties.
Meanwhile, the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) confiscated several firecrackers and firecracker ingredients in an inspection on Dec 27, 2022.
The authorities said that they were able to seize 4.25 kilos of powder nitrate, 700 pieces of luces, 101 pieces of kwites, 35 pieces of shooting star, and 200 pieces of triangle 100 meters away from the designated firecrackers selling area at C1 Road in Brgy. San Jose, Arevalo, Iloilo City.
Iloilo City Police Station 6 Major Chen Tañagras said that they have received reports of a firecracker manufacturer operating in Arevalo district, but records from the Regional Civil Security Unit (RCSU) revealed that out of the nine licensed pyrotechnics and firecracker manufacturers in the region, none are from Arevalo.
RCSU-6 also earlier confiscated around P4,000 worth of firecrackers from a retailer in Brgy. Buhang, Jaro, Iloilo City after it was found that the products lacked DTI-BPS PS markings.
ICPO added that they will intensify their inspection and patrol operations to avoid firecracker-related incidents, especially during New Year’s Eve.
Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-6 director Chief Superintendent Jerry Candido, on the other hand, reminded the public to practice preventive measures and avoid the use of firecrackers, especially during the New Year’s celebration, as it is one of the causes of fire incidents.
“Kung ang aton gani balay made of light materials, especially ang aton atop nipa, bas-on gid naton ina, pati dingding, kay hindi kita kasigurado kung ano matupa dira, especially mga palupok parehas sang kwitis, kay most of the cause of fire (during holiday celebration) kwitis,” Candido added.
