Iwas Paputok to Ingat Paputok: DOH hurting firecracker industry, retailers say

The Department of Health's campaign against firecrackers is hurting the industry as retailers complained of sales decreasing by as much as 15 percent, GMA News TV's "Balitanghali" reported on Tuesday.

The retailers of firecrackers and fireworks in Bocaue, Bulacan said the DOH's Iwas-Paputok campaign had been keeping the public from buying their pyrotechnic products.

 

The news report said sales have dropped by 10 to 15 percent since the DOH started its campaign this month.

 

On their campaign, the DOH has encouraged the public to enjoy the holiday revelry using safer options for noise-making such as horns, car-horns, and playing of loud music.

 

Meanwhile, the firecracker sellers think that their sales will improve as the New Year celebration nears.

 

Last week, the Philippine National Police released a list of illegal firecrackers as their explosives content went beyond what the law provides for.  —Rouchelle Dinglasan/NB, GMA News