Firecrackers in the Philippines

Firecrackers displayed for sale in the Philippines.

Firecrackers in the Philippines refers to small explosive devices (paputok) commonly used to mark the New Year and other festivities. While firecrackers are deeply embedded in Filipino popular culture, their use is regulated by national law and a patchwork of local ordinances because of recurring injuries, fires, and air-pollution spikes during holiday periods. ^{[1] [2]}

History

Firecrackers (paputok) in the Philippines blend Chinese pyrotechnic traditions with local Catholic festivities and modern commercial manufacturing. Historians and reporters commonly trace the practice to Chinese influence, fire and noise were believed to drive away evil spirits and misfortune, an idea that entered Filipino popular celebrations and New Year customs via Chinese merchants and later Chinese-Filipino communities. ^{[3] [4]}

Emergence of a local industry (19th–early 20th century)

The best-documented origin story of Philippine firecracker making centers on Bulacan province. Magazine and government accounts credit Valentín Sta. Ana of Bulacan with mastering the craft around 1867, reportedly after learning pyrotechnics from a parish priest who used kwitis (rockets) during the Christmas Simbang Gabi season. ^[5] An academic survey likewise notes that Bulacan, particularly Bocaue, became the cradle of the trade in the archipelago. ^[6]

By the 1930s, Sta. Ana's sons Valerio and Fernando Sta. Ana had formalized production. Provincial records state that in 1938 the brothers opened the Santa Ana Fireworks Factory in Santa Maria, Bulacan; after the war, Fernando founded Victory Fireworks and is styled by the province as the country's “Father of Modern Fireworks and Pyrotechnics.” ^[7]

Trading hub and postwar expansion (mid-20th century)

Two neighboring Bulacan towns then differentiated roles that persist today: Santa Maria concentrated manufacturing, while Bocaue evolved into the primary trading hub because of its transport links and proximity to Metro Manila. ^[8] Through the post-World War II decades, demand for New Year and fiesta noise-making spurred small workshops and a growing seasonal workforce across Bulacan; later, satellite factories also appeared in neighboring provinces, notably Cavite and Laguna. ^[9]

Despite periods of tighter policing (including during the 1970s–80s), the trade endured and even professionalized in parts, exporting displays and joining international competitions. ^[10]

Regulation and public safety milestones (1990s–2010s)

Growing concerns about injuries, fires and unsafe products culminated in Republic Act No. 7183 (30 January 1992), the first comprehensive national law regulating the manufacture, sale, distribution and use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices. ^{[11] [12]} The Philippine National Police later issued revised implementing rules in 2012 that clarified classifications and licensing. ^[13]

Bulacan's centrality also meant it figured in major incidents that shaped enforcement and local risk management. On July 2, 1993, the Bocaue Pagoda tragedy, a fluvial festival accident unrelated to factory production but occurring in the firecracker-trading town—killed more than 200 devotees and led to decades of safety reforms in the annual river procession. ^[14] On December 31, 2007, a daytime fire ripped through a row of fireworks stalls in Bocaue's Turo area, injuring several and prompting tighter local controls on stall siting and firebreaks. ^{[15] [16]} Outside Bulacan, a major blast at the Starmaker factory in Trece Martires, Cavite on January 29, 2009, killed at least five and injured dozens, focusing national attention on factory licensing and worker safety. ^{[17] [18]}

Long-running public-health surveillance also highlighted the role of specific illegal or imported products, especially the small ‘‘piccolo'’ stick, leading to repeated crackdowns by customs and local governments in the 2000s–2010s. ^[19]

In 2017, national policy pivoted toward centralized, supervised displays when Executive Order No. 28 limited consumer firecracker use to LGU-sanctioned community fireworks displays under police supervision; after this, many cities strengthened or adopted local bans or designated pyro-zones while allowing professional shows. ^[20]

Contemporary (2010s–present)

While national rules tightened and some Metro Manila LGUs temporarily imposed total bans during the COVID-19 years, Bulacan's role remains visible each December as buyers flock to Bocaue and surrounding towns; prices and demand fluctuate year-to-year with regulation and household budgets. ^{[21] [22] [23]} Academic and government reporting continue to document the cultural persistence of fireworks in fiestas and New Year's Eve alongside periodic injury spikes and evolving safety campaigns (Iwas Paputok). ^[24]

Firecracker regulations

Fireworks displayed for sale in the Philippines.

Another type of fireworks displayed for sale in the Philippines.

National regulations

The principal law is Republic Act No. 7183 (1992), which regulates the sale, manufacture, distribution and use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices and authorizes the Philippine National Police (PNP) to determine prohibited devices and enforce the law. Violations may be penalized by fines, imprisonment, cancellation of licenses, and confiscation of stocks. ^[25] In 2012 the PNP issued revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) classifying devices and prescribing licensing and safety rules for manufacturers, dealers, and display operators. ^[26]

In 2017 Executive Order No. 28 restricted the use of firecrackers to community fireworks displays in LGU-designated zones under PNP-licensed supervision. Other pyrotechnic devices may be used subject to existing laws, but the PNP must promulgate criteria and specific lists of prohibited items. ^[27] The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) followed with memoranda (MC 2017-105 and 2017–168) directing LGUs and enforcement agencies to implement EO 28. ^[28] The PNP–FEO periodically publishes a list of prohibited firecrackers (e.g., watusi , piccolo , five-star, super lolo, boga, and other overweight/oversized or unlabeled devices). ^[29]

Local ordinances

Local governments implement RA 7183 and EO 28 through ordinances that range from partial restrictions to total bans. Davao City has enforced a comprehensive ban since 2002 (City Ordinance 060–02), with fines and possible imprisonment for repeat violations; the city regularly reports zero firecracker injuries each New Year. ^{[30] [31]} Other LGUs with long-standing bans include Muntinlupa City (Ordinance No. 14-092, 2013; updated guidance 2017) and Olongapo City (City Ordinance No. 63, 2008). ^{[32] [33] [34]} During the COVID-19 pandemic, Metro Manila's 17 LGUs jointly imposed a temporary total ban for the 2020 year-end holidays, allowing only authorized community displays. ^{[35] [36]}

Industry and enforcement

Manufacturing and trade are concentrated in Bulacan (notably Santa Maria for factories and Bocaue for retail “pyro-zones”). ^{[37] [38]} National enforcement involves the PNP–FEO (licensing, inspections, seizures), the Bureau of Fire Protection (fire safety), and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for product certification (PS mark/ICC). ^{[39] [40]}

Health and safety concerns

Pollution

Firecracker use has been associated with short-term spikes in particulate matter (PM₂.₅/PM₁₀) and metals, degrading air quality to “very unhealthy” or “hazardous” levels around midnight on New Year's Eve in urban areas. In Metro Manila, independent and government monitors have repeatedly documented sharp PM₂.₅ surges tied to fireworks; the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Environmental Management Bureau (DENR–EMB) reported improved but still elevated levels entering 2025, crediting stricter rules and more community displays. ^{[41] [42]}

Health and safety

The Department of Health (DOH) operates seasonal surveillance (Iwas Paputok/APIR) each December to January. For the 2024-2025 holiday period, the DOH logged 340 fireworks-related injuries (FWRIs) as of January 1, 2025 (34% lower year-on-year); subsequent bulletins reported 704 by January 3 and 843 by January 6, 2025, across sentinel sites, including cases from illegal devices such as boga, five-star, and piccolo. ^{[43] [44] [45] [46] [47]} DOH and medical literature note frequent hand and eye trauma, burns, and amputations; children and adolescent males are disproportionately affected. ^{[48] [49]} Historical poisonings from watusi ingestion led to intensified prohibitions and warnings. ^[50]

Campaigns and alternatives

Public agencies promote safer celebrations through Iwas Paputok (Avoid Fireworks) information drives, school-based reminders, and the shift to centralized, professionally operated community fireworks displays in LGU-designated zones. The DOH, DepEd, BFP, DILG and PNP coordinate yearly advisories and outreach; during the pandemic, DOH circulars further discouraged gatherings and individual fireworks use. ^{[51] [52] [53]}

See also

• Common types of firecrackers:
  • Bamboo cannon (boga)
  • Judas's belt (Sinturon ni Hudas)
  • Piccolo
  • Roman candle
  • Super Yolanda
  • Watusi
• Fireworks
• Health in the Philippines
• Firecracker (1981 film)

References

1. Republic Act No. 7183 (1992), “An Act Regulating the Sale, Manufacture, Distribution and Use of Firecrackers and Other Pyrotechnic Devices,” Republic of the Philippines eLibrary.
2. Executive Order No. 28 (20 June 2017), “Providing for the Regulation and Control of the Use of Firecrackers and Other Pyrotechnic Devices,” Senate of the Philippines LDRR.
3. “Why do Filipinos celebrate New Year with fireworks?,” GMA News Online (31 December 2021). .
4. US Army (Philippines), “Ringing in the New Year Safely” (29 December 2016) – short cultural explainer noting Chinese immigrants brought firecrackers and the belief that noise drives away evil spirits. .
5. Mario Alvaro Limos, “The History of How Bulacan Became the Country’s Fireworks Mecca,” Esquire Philippines (27 December 2019), summarizing provincial and local narratives from Bulacan. .
6. M.C.D. Dela Piedra, “A Filipino Tradition: The Role of Fireworks and Firecrackers in the Philippine Culture,” TalaKasaysayan 1:1 (2018), pp. 141–153. .
7. Provincial Government of Bulacan, “Major Industries — Pyrotechnics,” historical note on the Sta. Ana family and the 1938 Santa Ana Fireworks Factory. .
8. “The History of How Bulacan Became the Country’s Fireworks Mecca,” Esquire Philippines (27 December 2019), noting Santa Maria as the most prolific manufacturer and Bocaue as the trading center. .
9. Context on the spread of shops and seasonal demand synthesized in period features and commentaries; see for example InterAksyon backgrounders and provincial industry profiles cited elsewhere in this section.
10. “Even martial law couldn’t kill firecracker industry,” Philippine Daily Inquirer (31 December 2016), on the industry’s persistence and Bulacan origins with Valentín Sta. Ana in 1867. .
11. Republic Act No. 7183 (1992), official text via Philippine eLibrary. .
12. Alternate official copy: RA 7183 PDF (WTO import licensing repository). .
13. PNP–CSG–FEO, “2012 Revised IRR of RA 7183” (PDF). .
14. A.D. Eballo, “Religion and Strategic Disaster Risk Management in the Better Normal: The Case of the Pagoda sa Wawa Fluvial Festival in Bocaue, Bulacan, Philippines,” Religions 15, 223 (2024). .
15. “Explosive end to 2007,” The Philippine Star (1 January 2008), on the Bocaue fire that gutted fireworks stalls. .
16. SunStar, “Bocaue gov’t tightens security to avoid fireworks-related incidents” (29 December 2013), referencing the 2007 blaze and subsequent measures. .
17. Reuters, “Blast in Philippine fireworks factory kills 5—police” (29 January 2009). .
18. “At least 5 dead in Cavite firecracker factory blast,” The Philippine Star (30 January 2009). .
19. Jocelyn Uy, “DOH urges ban on ‘piccolo’ firecracker,” Philippine Daily Inquirer (8 December 2015), noting piccolo smuggling from China and its share in injuries. .
20. “Understanding the crackdown on dangerous firecrackers,” InterAksyon (28 December 2018), summarizing EO 28 and its effect on consumer use. .
21. “Firecracker prices in Bocaue increase ahead of New Year 2025 revelry,” GMA News Online (27 December 2024). .
22. “In Bocaue, fireworks sales, prices surge ahead of New Year,” Philippine Daily Inquirer (28 December 2024). .
23. “Bulacan sees surge in sales of ‘sawa,’ ‘kuwitis’,” Philippine Daily Inquirer (1 January 2025). .
24. M.C.D. Dela Piedra (2018), op. cit.; see also DOH seasonal bulletins and LGU advisories cited elsewhere in this article.
25. RA 7183 (1992), secs. 2–6 and penalties, Republic of the Philippines eLibrary.
26. PNP–CSG–Firearms and Explosives Office, “2012 Revised IRR of RA 7183” (PDF), .
27. EO 28 (2017), secs. 1–6, .
28. DILG Memorandum Circular (14 December 2016; reiterated 2017) on regulation of firecrackers, .
29. PNP Firearms and Explosives Office, “List of prohibited firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices” (1 December 2024), .
30. City Government of Davao, “Davao City heightens total firecracker ban,” (14 December 2022), .
31. Antonio L. Colina IV, “Davao City police reminds public to observe two-decade firecracker ban,” MindaNews (26 December 2023), .
32. City Government of Muntinlupa, “No. 14-092—Firecracker Ban” (PDF), .
33. Manila Standard, “Muntinlupa reminds residents of firecracker ban” (27 December 2017), .
34. City of Olongapo (Public Affairs), announcement on City Ordinance 63 (2008) Total Ban on Firecrackers, .
35. Philippine Daily Inquirer, “Metro mayors: Firecracker ban part of health measures” (23 December 2020), .
36. GMA News Online, “NCR mayors agree on total firecracker ban in Metro Manila” (21 December 2020), .
37. Provincial Government of Bulacan, “Major Industries—Pyrotechnics,” .
38. Philippine Daily Inquirer, “In Bocaue, fireworks sales, prices surge ahead of New Year” (28 December 2024), .
39. DTI, “DTI cracks down unlicensed fireworks in Bulacan” (28 December 2021), .
40. Daily Tribune, “Cops on alert vs illegal firecracker use — Fajardo” (21 December 2024), .
41. DENR–EMB, “Ambient Air Quality on New Year’s Eve 2025 Shows Significant Improvement” (January 2025), .
42. Manila Observatory, “New Year’s 2024 Particle Pollution Measurements in Metro Manila” (report), .
43. GMA News Online, “DOH: 141 hurt due to firecrackers on New Year’s Eve celebration” (1 January 2025), .
44. Philippine News Agency, “Fireworks-related injuries reach 534 as of Jan. 2” (2 January 2025), .
45. Philippine News Agency, “Fireworks-related injuries rise to 704” (3 January 2025), .
46. The Philippine Star, “DOH: 843 hurt by fireworks, 38% higher than 2024” (6 January 2025), .
47. BusinessWorld, “DoH logs over 140 firework injuries” (1 January 2025), .
48. Philippine News Agency, “Firecrackers injuries down by 35%: DOH” (1 January 2020), .
49. J.D. Diaz et al., “Fireworks-related ocular injuries in a tertiary hospital in the Philippines,” (hospital case-series; news/abstracts summarized by DOH and local outlets). See DOH and sentinel hospital reports cited above.
50. Philippine Daily Inquirer (archival reports) and DOH advisories on watusi phosphorus poisoning; see DOH/DepEd campaign notices under “Campaigns.”
51. DOH Department Circular No. 2020-0399, “Iwas Paputok Campaign 2020…” (2 December 2020), .
52. DepEd Region I, “DepEd adheres to the intensified Iwas Paputok campaign of DOH” (1 December 2015), .
53. MMDA, “MMDA to LGUs: Designate fireworks display zones” (28 December 2023), .