“Pinaka-mabili ngayon dito ay kwitis. Mura kasi at madaling paputukin,” says pyrotechnic seller in Tabuk City, Kalinga

Tabuk City, Kalinga – With New Year’s Eve just around the corner, people in Kalinga are gearing up to welcome 2026 with cheer, positivity, gratitude, and hope. Part of the preparations for the celebration includes buying firecrackers.

As of December 30, more than 20 stalls selling firecrackers have been set up near the Bulanao Public Market in Purok 4, Bulanao, while one stall is located in front of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) office in Dagupan. These are the stalls that secured permits from authorities to sell legal fireworks.

A walk through the area and conversations with sellers revealed that the most sought-after pyrotechnic is kwitis, a locally made skyrocket known for its distinctive whistling sound as it ascends and explodes in the sky.

Affordable and easy to use, it is favored by many for its festive effect. While considered less powerful than large fireworks, kwitis can still be dangerous if mishandled. Authorities recommend using it in open spaces, keeping a safe distance, and supervising children during use.

Kwitis costs ₱150 for 10 pieces and ₱100 for three pieces of the bigger size.

When Guru Press Cordillera staff visited stall along the road nearby the former Bulanao Public Market, a variety of pyrotechnics are on display. These included fireworks priced from ₱3,500 to ₱7,800; Sinturon ni Judas, which costs ₱280 for 100 rounds, ₱480 for 200 rounds, ₱850 for 500 rounds, and ₱1,500 for 1,000 rounds; and fountain fireworks priced at around ₱2,500.

There are also torotot, priced at ₱35 for the small size and ₱50 for the bigger size, for children and individuals who prefer to welcome the New Year without setting off firecrackers.

According to one of the stalls, Casan Daughter Fireworks, they expect more buyers on December 31 as prices usually drop by as low as 30 percent.

Another seller, Amano Tawagon, also shared that buyers are not only individuals planning to set off firecrackers on New Year’s Eve. Farmers also take the opportunity to buy stocks that they can use on their farms throughout the year. He explained that pyrotechnics are rarely available after the holiday season.

When asked why people continue to patronize firecrackers during the New Year, Amano said, “Hindi masaya ang New Year kung walang paputok.”

Meanwhile, the BFP–Kalinga, along with the Philippine National Police (PNP), have already inspected the stalls to ensure compliance with regulations on the sale of pyrotechnic devices. Authorities also reminded the public not to patronize illegal firecrackers and to avoid indiscriminate firing that may endanger others.