Residents of Mangaldan, Pangasinan, are gearing up for their annual bamboo cannon competition, a much-anticipated event celebrating the holiday season.

Veteran participant Rading Abrigo, from Barangay David, has been a standout competitor since 2015.

He has claimed several championships with his creative entries, including a tank-inspired bamboo cannon in 2018, symbolizing the conflict in Marawi, and a dragon-themed piece that won in 2023.

“Nasa isip lang kung ano ‘yung konsepto. ‘Yung anong year ngayon, ‘yun ang ginagawa ko,” Abrigo said.

This year, he started crafting his entry on December 8, aiming to complete a snake-inspired design within three weeks, just in time for the competition at the end of the month.

“Parang katuwaan lang. Pag may maisip akong konsepto, ginagawa ko na agad,” he said.

To ensure public safety, the Mangaldan Fire Station will monitor the activity strictly.

“We will ensure yung safety ng gagamitin; dapat i-inspect natin and suggest safety precautions.” Fire Marshal Finsp. Armando Ramos said.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) also advised that the bamboo cannons be displayed at home after the contest to avoid potential accidents.