With just days remaining before the New Year's Eve celebration, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has issued a stern reminder to the fireworks industry. The agency emphasized that adherence to occupational safety and health (OSH) standards is absolutely mandatory and cannot be compromised.
Strict Mandate for a Hazardous Trade
In an official statement released on December 26, 2025, Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma declared that all establishments involved in the manufacturing, distribution, and sale of fireworks must rigorously follow OSH regulations. He underscored the inherent dangers of the business.
"The pyrotechnics industry is inherently hazardous. Thus, strict compliance with OSH standards is non-negotiable to protect workers' lives and prevent accidents," stated Secretary Laguesma. He further directed all employers to observe these standards to guarantee safe and healthful conditions in their workplaces.
Inter-Agency Monitoring to be Intensified
To enforce this directive, the DOLE chief has already ordered the department's field personnel to coordinate closely with other key agencies. This collaborative effort involves the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and various Local Government Units (LGUs).
The primary goal of this partnership is to monitor compliance effectively and prevent any work-related accidents in the pyrotechnics sector during this critical period. "We will intensify monitoring to ensure safety and accountability," Laguesma affirmed.
Seasonal Surge in Production and Sales
This heightened alert comes during the peak season for the fireworks industry. Production and sales traditionally skyrocket during the holiday season, driven by the Filipino custom of lighting firecrackers and fireworks to welcome the New Year.
The government's proactive stance aims to balance cultural traditions with the paramount importance of worker and public safety. By enforcing these measures, DOLE seeks to ensure that the celebrations do not come at the cost of preventable injuries or loss of life.
