EDITORIAL - The state of Cebu's firecracker industry

Another problem that would always crop up during the Christmas season is the proliferation of illegal firecrackers. These kinds of items usually find their way into the market because of the lack of strict regulatory measures.    

These days, firecracker makers are now busy producing their items to meet the robust demands for Christmas celebrations and New Year revelries. The problem is that it seems the authorities are silent about the need to monitor factories this early to see if they comply with safety regulations.

In Cebu, there are areas in the cities of Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue and Talisay that are known to produce firecrackers. However, we have yet to see police announcing plans for strict monitoring of factories.

Laxity in surveillance enables fly-by-night firecracker makers to ply their trade. Because they do not undergo strict quality inspections from authorities, they are expected to yield substandard products, which greatly endanger the lives of buyers.     

The lives of illegal firecracker makers are also in great danger. Since they do not follow the legal process, their operations are always vulnerable to accidents. The recent explosion in Lapu-Lapu of a makeshift firecracker factory that injured at least three people is just the latest of the many incidents involving unregulated firecracker making.

Let us admit that these incidents happen because authorities are not religious enough in going after those illegal firecracker factories. And because regulations are hardly implemented, we can only expect more incidents to occur. 

There is really a need for authorities to constantly check the condition of the firecracker industry in Cebu. Those past incidents are an obvious sign that the industry is in a bad state.

So it's high time to fully implement the regulations. Concerned agencies should see to it that all firecracker makers in Cebu comply with all the rules. Those who do not should not be given the chance to operate.