Is your ‘parol’ up to DTI’s standard?
With less than three months to go before Christmas, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) introduced safety standards for making the “parol,” or the traditional Filipino Christmas lantern, particularly those with electrical components.
In a statement on Thursday, Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said the new Philippine National Standard (PNS) for the parol would help ensure product quality and safety while promoting Filipino craftsmanship in local and foreign markets.
The newly launched PNS 2296-1:2025 outlines several requirements to ensure that the parols, especially if mass produced, are safe and durable for indoor or outdoor use.
Compliance with the PNS is still voluntary, not mandatory, but having such standards for the first time “provides clear guidance for manufacturers to produce quality, safe and reliable products for consumers,” Assistant Trade Secretary Regino Mallari Jr. said.
Must pass tests
The PNS covers the various aspects of manufacturing—from the materials, wiring system, power supply and proper lightbulb wattage, to labeling—to ensure that the finished product meets international safety standards as well.
A PNS-certified parol, for example, should pass a burning rate test, impact and drop tests, an adhesive strength test, and a pull test, among others.
The DTI said the PNS for the parol was developed in partnership with UL Standards & Engagement, an entity based in Illinois that promotes safety standards for products, services, and systems.
The PNS was launched at a recent DTI event in San Fernando, Pampanga, a province famous for its parol industry.
It was unveiled also at a time when local governments and companies—the usual bulk buyers of parol for streets, parks or shopping complexes—may already be preparing this year’s displays.
