By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The price of firecrackers has increased by 40 percent in Negros Occidental, ahead of the celebration of the holiday season.

In a radio interview over the weekend, Navarro Baylon, President of the Hinigaran Firecrackers Manufacturer and Retailers Association, said the increase was due to price hikes on the raw materials used for making firecrackers.

Among the raw materials that have increased are paper, cardboard, wick, and black powder.

Baylon said the price of triangular firecrackers has increased to P100, while Katay and Judas Belt are now sold at P150 each from the previous price of between P100 and P120.

Aerial rockets such as kwitis are now being sold at P10 per piece, from the previous P7 to P8.

Baylon said that buyers in Bacolod City may expect higher prices due to transportation costs.

Meanwhile, he said firecracker vendors in the province’s Hinigaran town will begin selling on December 11, in the town’s Barangay Anahaw.

A total of 31 retailers, and eight firecracker manufacturers were able to process their permits, and Baylon said they have already attended a seminar regarding firecracker safety./DGB, WDJ