ROXAS CITY, Capiz (PIA) – The Roxas City government has identified a vacant market structure in Pueblo de Panay, in this city, as a trading zone for firecrackers and fireworks needs of the Christmas and New Year’s Eve merrymakers.
Records from the Bureau of Fire Protection – Roxas City show there are 26 accredited firecracker and pyrotechnics retailers in the city as of Dec. 29.
Department of Trade and Industry Provincial Office Consumer Protection Unit head Merian Asas said that an inter-agency surprise inspections were conducted to ensure that only those with a PS mark firecracker and pyrotechnics are being sold in the market.
The PS mark, showing a globe with a check icon, serves as the consumers’ guide and assurance that what they purchase are certified quality and safety products conforming to the relevant Philippine National Standards (PNS).
“If a merchandise is not bearing a PS mark, it means that its manufacturer is not accredited by the DTI,” noted Asas during a recent media interaction.
She added that 14 manufacturers of firecrackers and fireworks were accredited by the DTI as of Dec. 23.
All of these are outside the region, she stressed, adding that the brand and company names of these manufacturers were posted in the conspicuous corners of the designated trading zone as a guide for the consumers.
Recently, the Provincial Health Office has closely coordinated with the Capiz Police Provincial Office in the campaign against illegal firecrackers, particularly the use of boga or improvised PVC cannons, and other New Year’s safety initiatives.
The meeting aims to strengthen inter-agency partnerships to ensure public safety and health during the upcoming holiday celebrations.
The province has already recorded two firework – related injuries based on the FWRI Bulletin issued by the PHO last Dec. 27.
The cases involved 6 and 9 years old victims who sustained a blast burn with no amputation and eye injury due to the use of boga. (AAL/PIA Capiz/Photos from DTI Capiz)
