BOCAUE, Bulacan — The day before New Year’s Eve, crowds of people flocked to Bocaue, Bulacan, also referred to as the Philippines’ Fireworks Capital, as shoppers hurried to maintain a long-standing holiday tradition.

Despite higher costs and a limited supply, stall owners reported that this year’s demand is substantially higher, with pyrotechnics running out more quickly than in prior years.

The fireworks strip was packed with long lines of patrons, some of whom made bulk purchases while others strictly adhered to a certain budget.

The expense is a part of the celebration for many buyers.

Miguel Jacinto, a customer who spent about P4,500—more than his P3,000 budget—said, “Ngayon lang naman, para mag-enjoy lang.”

(For now, it’s just for fun.)

Gerald Tamayo, another customer, believed the cost was justified.

He said, “Kasi blessed eh, so kailangan siguro ipakita na ‘yong blessing. ‘Yon lang naman.”

(Because we are blessed, maybe we ought to return the favor.)

According to Jack Calma, who came from Pampanga, Bocaue’s pricing were still more affordable.

“Bumibili naman ako doon sa may amin kaso sobrang mahal doon, dito mas mura,” Calma said, noting out that in his province, the P6,000 worth of fireworks he purchased might have cost him around P7,000 to P8,000.

(I shop near to our place of residence, but it’s cheaper here.)

Supplies Running Low

Days before the New Year, popular fireworks like kwitis and sawa are running low due to rising demand.

According to vendors, manufacturing has been impacted by production delays brought on by recent typhoons, which has limited supply at a time of high demand.

They cautioned that as equities continue to decline, prices might stay the same or rise even more on New Year’s Eve.

Tightened Security

The fireworks market is still guarded by police and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) personnel.

While police officers distributed flyers promoting safety tips, such as using alternative noisemakers and avoiding illegal fireworks like piccolo, five star, and pla-pla, a BFP fire truck with a banner reminding the public not to use fireworks and firecrackers was stationed in the area.

Lt. Col. Virgilio Ramirez, the chief of police in Bocaue, said that security has been intensified.