Firecracker sales soar in Bocaue ahead of New Year’s Eve

Shops in Bocaue, Bulacan, are bustling with activity as firecracker sales surge a day before New Year’s Eve celebrations.

According to a Monday report by Raffy Tima on 24 Oras, customers from various areas flocked to Bocaue to buy firecrackers to brighten their festivities.

Lars, a visitor from Denmark accompanied by his Filipino wife, was surprised by the wide range of firecracker options.

“Yes, it is,” he said when asked if it was his first time experiencing a New Year’s fireworks display.

Some customers opted for bulk purchases to make their celebrations louder and brighter.

“Magsisimula kami siguro mga 11 hanggang 12 midnight,” said Bryan. “Madami kaming masyadong nabili ngayon.”

(We’ll start around 11 and go until midnight. We bought so many this year.)

Stores reported strong sales, attributing it to lower firecracker prices compared to 2023. However, sellers warned that prices might spike on New Year’s Eve.

“Mas tataas pa po, kasi kapag naubusan po kami ng stock, kapag humango po kami, tinataas din po kami ng supplier,” said seller Rachel Nicolas.

(Prices will increase because if we run out of stock, suppliers charge us more.)

While some stores plan to operate 24/7, others intend to close early once stocks are sold out.

“Mamaya sarado na kami kasi mauubos na ito,” said seller Jessa Vicenter.

(We’ll close soon because we’re almost out of stock.)

For those avoiding firecrackers, horns are widely available as a safer, reusable alternative.

“Kahit ulan, magagamit pa rin kahit nasa loob ng bahay,” one seller said.

(You can use them even in the rain or indoors.)

The Department of Health (DOH) continues to discourage the use of firecrackers, urging the public to opt for safer alternatives like drums, horns, and other noise-makers.

Children are strictly prohibited from handling firecrackers, and for emergencies, the public is advised to call the National Emergency Hotline (911) or the DOH’s 1555 hotline.

As of the latest DOH data, 163 firecracker-related injuries have been recorded, with 21 additional cases reported just a day before New Year’s Eve. — Vince Angelo Ferreras/DVM, GMA Integrated News