BULACAN, Philippines – The shift in consumer preference is slowly killing the local pyrotechnic and firecracker industry. Traders in the firecracker trading zone in Bocaue, Bulacan said most buyers now prefer the safe and “consistent” imported fireworks over the locally crafted but inexpensive ones.

“Mas sulit kasi ang mamimili sa imported. Sigurado ka kapag sinindihan mo. Mas matagal at mas maganda ang mga ilaw nito kumpara sa local na maiksi lang at kung minsan hindi pa nagsisindi,” said one seller. 

(Buying imported firecrackers is more worth it. You are sure when you light it up. It lasts longer and the lights are better compared to local ones, which sometimes do not even light up.) 

Some traders dispute the statement. Paolo Regalado, a wholesaler, told Rappler that most retailers based in Metro Manila still prefer the local kwitis, sawa and sparklers. The imported pyrotechnics could only contribute 25% to his daily net sales.

“Kung praktikal at may pera ka, mas bibilhin mo talaga ‘yung imported kahit mahal pero hindi naman lahat may pambili kaya karamihan nagtitiyaga na lang sa local.” Regalado said. (If you are practical and have enough money, you tend to buy imported even if it’s expensive but not everyone has the money so most stick it out with the local firecrackers.) 

While both products assure retailers of huge profits, many still opt for the locally made ones because they sell faster.

Regalado credits the local demand for the low retail price but admits that the huge number of imported pyrotechnics and firecrackers affected the local manufacturers. 

“Kung walang mga pista malamang matagal na kami sarado.” Jocelyn Canete, a pyrotechnic manufacturer told Rappler when asked what’s keeping her business afloat. (If there were no feasts, we would have closed shop a long time ago.) 

Religious festivities, weddings and even political campaigns are year-round activities that demand fireworks to spruce up the occasion. 

According to Canete, relying on sales for the New Year revelry is not a good business model. You don’t just feed your family during December, she said, adding that these days, people seek quality and value for money. – Rappler.com