In a decisive move to prevent holiday season tragedies, the Philippine government has intensified regulatory oversight of the nation’s pyrotechnics industry. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has issued stringent compliance directives to manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of fireworks and explosive materials ahead of traditional New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma formally enacted Labor Advisory No. 18 on November 28, 2025, reinforcing mandatory safety protocols under the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Law (Republic Act No. 11058). The advisory specifically references Department Order No. 124 from 2014, which establishes comprehensive safety systems for all sectors handling pyrotechnic materials.
The regulatory framework mandates that manufacturing facilities, storage warehouses, and retail outlets maintain trained safety personnel, implement rigorous occupational health standards, and develop targeted policies addressing explosion risks. Employees are required to participate in specialized safety training programs and actively support workplace safety initiatives.
Enforcement mechanisms include coordinated monitoring by DOLE regional offices and Labor Laws Compliance Officers, who will collaborate with the Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine National Police, and local government units. Regional directors must submit detailed compliance reports to the Bureau of Working Conditions by January 15, 2026, ensuring nationwide implementation of safety measures.
The preventive action responds to longstanding concerns about fireworks-related injuries and fatalities during holiday celebrations, when pyrotechnic products see widespread use across the archipelago nation.