’Cracker makers hope for rebound in sales this year

MALOLOS, Bulacan — This time, they might welcome the New Year with a bang.

Firecrackers and pyrotechnics manufacturers and dealers in the country are hoping for a rebound in sales this year, after a 20 percent slump in sales last year.

Celso Cruz, president of the Philippine Pyrotechnics Manufacturers and Dealers Association Inc., said that one of the major contributing factors to this possible recovery is the forthcoming May 2004 election, as candidates are either sponsoring fireworks displays or gearing up for victory parties after the balloting.

He said politicians contribute at least 10 percent to firecracker sales.

Now, a few days before the New Year celebrations, traffic has already started to build up in the towns of Bocaue, Sta. Maria and Baliuag, which are known to be major producers of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices.

Cruz said that the reason for last year’s slump was the government’s campaign "Iwas Paputok, Iwas Disgrasya," which he claims is a futile effort since people are accustomed to using these pyrotechnic devices in welcoming the New Year.

In 2002, factory production had been sold out days before the New Year revelry.

Cruz said that the government should instead come up with a campaign that would educate the public on the proper use of firecrackers.

In Bulacan, considered the fireworks capital of the country, the provincial government has come up with its own "Ingat Paputok, Iwas Disgrasya," campaign, including the distribution of leaflets and posters containing information on the proper use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices.

Cruz said their group is also working to ensure the safety of consumers using their products and coordinating with authorities for the crackdown on unlicensed manufacturers and dealers, which he said is the major cause of injuries since most products made and sold illegally do not have labels or instructions on their proper use.