Ched Rick Gatchalian

Filipinos buy fireworks at a store in Bocaue, Bulacan before the New Year's Eve, Dec. 28, 2022. George Calvelo, ABS-CBN News/FILE

 

People rush to buy fireworks at a store in Bocaue, Bulacan a few days before new year’s eve, December 28, 2022. As of writing, the Department of Health (DOH) recorded a total of 32 fireworks-related injuries, 39 percent higher compared to what was reported in the same period last year. George Calvelo, ABS-CBN News

Article (news)

Fireworks buyers rush to Bocaue as New Year demand surges

Michael Delizo

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/176707617649220221228-fireworks-bocaue-gc-7.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960" alt="Filipinos buy fireworks at a store in Bocaue, Bulacan before the New Year&#x27;s Eve, Dec. 28, 2022. George Calvelo, ABS-CBN News/FILE "/>Filipinos buy fireworks at a store in Bocaue, Bulacan before the New Year&#x27;s Eve, Dec. 28, 2022. George Calvelo, ABS-CBN News/FILE   </div>BOCAUE, Bulacan — Just a day before New Year’s Eve, crowds once again poured into Bocaue, Bulacan — widely known as the Fireworks Capital of the Philippines — as buyers rushed to uphold long-standing holiday tradition.Stall owners said this year’s demand is noticeably stronger, with fireworks selling out faster than in previous years despite higher prices and tighter supply.Long lines of customers filled the fireworks strip, with some buying in bulk while others carefully sticking to a set budget.For many buyers, the expense is part of the celebration.“Ngayon lang naman, para mag-enjoy lang,” said customer Miguel Jacinto, who spent almost P4,500 — above his P3,000 budget.(It’s just for now, just to enjoy.)<div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/business/2025/12/30/shoppers-weigh-budget-and-superstition-ahead-of-new-year-s-eve-celebration-1026">Shoppers weigh budget and superstition ahead of New Year&#x27;s Eve celebration</a></div>Another customer, Gerald Tamayo, said the cost was worth it.“Kasi blessed eh, so kailangan siguro ipakita na ‘yong blessing. ‘Yon lang naman,” he said.(Because we’re blessed, so maybe we should show that blessing. That’s all.)Jack Calma, who traveled from Pampanga, said prices in Bocaue were still more affordable.“Bumibili naman ako doon sa may amin kaso sobrang mahal doon, dito mas mura,” Calma said, noting that the P6,000 worth of fireworks he bought could cost him around P7,000 to P8,000 in his province.(I buy near our place, but it’s very expensive there. It’s cheaper here.)<div> </div><div>SUPPLIES RUNNING LOW</div>Supplies of popular fireworks such as sawa and kwitis are now running low just days before the New Year, as demand continues to climb.Vendors said production delays caused by recent typhoons have affected manufacturing, limiting supply at a time of peak demand.They warned that prices could remain the same or increase further on New Year’s Eve as stocks continue to dwindle.<div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/people-culture-events/2025/12/30/new-year-s-eve-how-to-make-resolutions-for-2026-1247">New Year&#x27;s Eve: How to make resolutions for 2026</a></div>“Tumaas po ‘yong kwitis at saka sawa — ‘yon lang naman po ang tumaas ngayon,” said vendor Arby Apilado.“Mataas na po ‘yong kuha namin kasi wala pong gumagawa.”(The prices of kwitis and sawa went up — those are the only ones that increased. Our purchase cost is already high because there are no manufacturers operating.)Fireworks stalls in Bocaue remain open 24 hours a day until Wednesday, although sellers said priority is now being given to walk-in buyers.<div> </div><div>TIGHTENED SECURITY</div>Police and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) personnel continue to secure the fireworks market.A BFP fire truck bearing a banner reminding the public not to use fireworks and firecrackers was stationed in the area, while police officers distributed flyers promoting safety tips — including the use of alternative noisemakers and avoiding illegal fireworks such as piccolo, five star, and pla-pla.Bocaue police chief Lt. Col. Virgilio Ramirez said authorities have intensified security measures.“Sa ating monitoring naman po, pagdating sa compliance po ng mga tindahan ay wala pa naman po kaming namo-monitor na mga nagbebenta ng illegal,” Ramirez told ABS-CBN News.(Based on our monitoring, we have not observed any stores selling illegal items.)“So far po, wala po tayong naitatalang mga insidente po,” he added.(So far, we have not recorded any untoward incidents.)Barangay officials and volunteers have also been deployed to assist with traffic management and help maintain peace and order as the New Year countdown approaches.

Just a day before New Year’s Eve, crowds once again poured into Bocaue, Bulacan — widely known as the Fireworks Capital of the Philippines — as buyers rushed to uphold long-standing holiday tradition.

Just a day before New Year’s Eve, crowds once again poured into Bocaue, Bulacan — widely known as the Fireworks Capital of the Philippines — as buyers rushed to uphold long-standing holiday tradition.