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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DOLE warns fireworks industry: Unsafe practices will not be tolerated

DOLE warns fireworks industry: Unsafe practices will not be tolerated

Published Dec 6, 2025 01:07 pm

At A Glance

  • DOLE warns fireworks industry that unsafe practices in production and handling will not be tolerated.
  • DOLE Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma orders intensified inspections with BFP, PNP, and local government units.
  • Labor Advisory 18, Series of 2025, reminds manufacturers, distributors, and retailers to comply with safety standards.
  • October explosion in Norzagaray, Bulacan, killed two workers and injured five, highlighting industry risks.
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma (Photo: DOLE)
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma (Photo: DOLE)
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has warned the fireworks industry that unsafe practices in production and handling will not be tolerated and urged strict compliance with safety rules amid the year-end surge in activity.
DOLE Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said the agency is intensifying inspections in coordination with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), and local government units to prevent accidents during the industry’s busiest period.
In Labor Advisory 18, Series of 2025, Laguesma reminded manufacturers, distributors, and retailers that violations of the Occupational Safety and Health Standards under Republic Act No. 11058 and related regulations will face immediate enforcement.
He emphasized that firecracker production is a high-risk operation requiring absolute precision.
The advisory reinforces full compliance with Department Orders No. 252, Series of 2025, and No. 134, Series of 2014, covering all rules on the handling, storage, transport, and manufacture of fireworks.
Regional directors have been instructed to step up inspections in their areas and submit detailed monitoring reports to the Bureau of Working Conditions on or before January 15, 2026.
The directive follows the October explosion of an illegal fireworks facility in Norzagaray, Bulacan, which killed two workers and injured five others.
As of December 2024, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) reported that 14 licensed manufacturers are authorized to legally produce and supply fireworks nationwide.

Related Tags

DOLE Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma fireworks industry firecracker safety labor advisory 18 Occupational Safety and Health
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