What is a New Year celebration without fireworks?
In the Philippines, a law has been passed in 2017 confining firecracker use to community fireworks displays. Another measure passed in 1992 identified the types of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices allowed in the country and regulations to control their manufacture, sale, and use.
Despite these, Filipinos continue to use all type of fireworks in in every place possible.
As of December 28, 2022, the Department of Health has already reported seven fireworks-related injuries, bringing the total to 32. Data gathered by the department show that 22 or 69 percent of the injuries occurred at home and 10 or 31 percent on the streets.
Although a total firecracker ban might look like the ideal solution to prevent injuries, it would spell the end of the livelihood of many people, most of them in the province of Bulacan. (Photos by Jire Carreon)
