By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Vendors of firecrackers and other pyrotechnics are currently set up at the rear of the Pope John Paul II tower, located along Rizal Avenue Extension in the reclamation area in Bacolod City, just days away from New Year’s celebrations.

In a report by RMN-DYHB Bacolod yesterday morning, one of the sellers, identified as ‘Benito,’ noted a decrease in the total number of firecracker patrons, but noted sales of pyrotechnics that produce bright and colorful lights is picking up.

Benito explained, firecracker sellers normally have a capital of P50,000 to P100,000, and, if successful, they could earn a profit of P20,000.

He pointed out, sales this year are much more regulated compared to last year, as they have to release P10,000 to secure various permits and also have to attend a safety seminar.

Earlier this month, the Bacolod City government, along with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO), spearheaded a campaign in regulating the sale and use of firecrackers after President Rodrigo Duterte signed an executive order earlier this year./DGB, WDJ