Fireworks, ’crackers prices soar in Bulacan
BOCAUE, BULACAN—The prices of fireworks and firecrackers have surged, in some cases have doubled, as manufacturers and dealers grapple with dwindling supplies less than a week before the traditional New Year celebrations.
Buyers from as far as Batangas province, Baguio City and the Ilocos region flocked to stalls in this acknowledged “fireworks capital” on Christmas Day to take advantage of what remains of the seasonal sale.
A family from Lipa City spent more than P20,000 on various types of already expensive “sawa” (intertwined firecrackers that look like a snake when unrolled) and “kwitis” (skyrocket) at De Guzman Fireworks stall in the designated pyrozone area at the Gov. Halili-Turo-Tambubong district as early as 8:30 a.m. on Thursday.
Michael Apayan, 27, a store attendant, said demand days before the New Year revelry had pushed prices sharply upward. The locally produced 1,000-round sawa, which previously sold for P450 to P500, now costs P1,000, while kwitis sells for P1,200 per bundle, up from P800.
Bulk orders
Apayan told the Inquirer that supply shortages began as early as the second week of December after suppliers failed to meet bulk orders. Despite this, brisk sales have forced their shop to operate 24 hours daily.
“Last night, people kept coming nonstop. Buyers really flock in the evening to avoid traffic and the daytime heat. But sales actually started picking up as early as October and November,” he said.
During those months, Apayan added, customers from the Visayas and Mindanao spent as much as P100,000, with fireworks shipped in bulk to their destinations.
Dealers expect last-minute buyers until 8 p.m. on Dec. 31—just four hours before the New Year revelry begins.
Susana Porcincula, owner of SRC Fireworks in Barangay Turo, said prices of locally produced fireworks, such as kwitis, sawa, fountains and
“luces” (sparklers) have risen due to production setbacks caused by prolonged rains.
“We have less supply this year because manufacturers were unable to produce in bulk due to months of rain, typhoons, and flooding. You cannot manufacture firecrackers in wet conditions,” she said.
Strongest year
Her husband, Manolito, said kwitis that once sold for P450 per bundle now costs P1,000, while luces have increased from P180 to P350. Fountain sparklers have also seen similar price hikes. The popular “3 Star” firecracker is now sold at P150 per pack, up from P85.
Manolito warned that supplies in many stores might not last through New Year’s Eve because of exceptionally high demand, calling this one of the industry’s strongest years in terms of sales.
“The supply will not meet the demand. Since last month, production has already been limited. Manufacturers are doing last-minute production, but prices have doubled. Unlicensed producers are also taking advantage, but authorities go after them, especially when accidents happen,” he said.
Manolito noted that among the safest products in the country are aerial shots from Dragon Fireworks, which are purely pyrotechnic lighting effects and not explosive firecrackers.
“These are the safest products and brands. I can even lie down and sleep beside them,” he said.
Manolito added that illegal or “fly-by-night” manufacturers produce highly dangerous fireworks by packing excessive explosive chemicals into their products, some of which are reportedly made in remote areas, including parts of Metro Manila.
