EDITORIAL - Staying in business

Six persons were killed and at least 340 injured by firecrackers as Filipinos welcomed 2010 the other night. The number of firecracker-related injuries was markedly down from last year. This could have been due to the aggressive campaign launched by the Department of Health to warn the public about the hazards of handling firecrackers. Added to this was the economic downturn, which also saw many households toning down the wattage of their Christmas decorations.

Still, six deaths and 340 injuries are still too much for an annual ritual that is supposed to be a joyous event. Some of the victims were injured due to their own carelessness, because they were hit by firecrackers set off by others, or because they handled defective products.

Other countries that export fireworks have constantly improved their products, providing more dazzling displays and improving product safety standards. Filipino consumers have snapped up the products, despite a generally higher tag price. Local manufacturers, rather than trying to match the imported items, have developed products with a more powerful bang but without corresponding guarantees for safe use, prompting authorities to ban the items. This year has been no different: the basic triangle-shaped “rebentador” firecracker is now about 10 times larger, with an explosion that can knock out Christmas lights nearby, shatter glass and set off car alarms. Some consumers bought the items during the holidays, especially after they were given the provocative names of “Ampatuan” and “Goodbye Gloria.” But many other consumers stayed away.

The risks of handling firecrackers — highlighted by reports of those killed or injured every year – have made an increasing number of Filipinos opt for safer ways of welcoming the New Year. In recent years, more and more families have celebrated New Year’s Eve by flocking to shopping malls or parks to watch spectacular fireworks displays staged by commercial sponsors, local governments or foreign embassies.

Those pyrotechnics are free and dazzling, and there is no risk of personal injury for those who enjoy the shows. Many of the fireworks are imported or made by local licensees of foreign companies. If the local fireworks industry wants to stay in business, it will need to invest in product development this year.