BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL G. BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – Prices of firecrackers in Negros Occidental increased by 40 percent ahead of the holiday season.
In a radio interview over the weekend, Navarro Baylon, president of the Hinigaran Firecrackers Manufacturer and Retailers Association, pointed out the reason for the price increase – hikes in the prices of raw materials to make firecrackers.
Among these raw materials are paper, cardboard, wick, and black powder.
According to Baylon, the price of “triangle” has gone up to P100, while “Katay” or “Judas Belt” is now sold at P150, up from the previous price of between P100 and P120.
The price of “aerial rockets” such as “kwitis” has also gone up, now being sold at P10 from the previous P7 to P8.
Baylon pointed out that the said prices are only limited in the town of Hinigaran, and buyers such as those in Bacolod City may expect higher prices due to transportation costs.
Meanwhile, Baylon said firecracker sellers in Hinigaran will begin selling on Dec. 11.
The designated area for selling is along the national road, part of the town’s Barangay Anahaw.
A total of 31 retailers and eight manufacturers were able to process their permits, and Baylon said they have already attended a seminar from the Philippine National Police regarding firecracker safety./PN
