Small scale firecracker makers in Lapulapu City, Cebu

The Barangay people of Barag make firecrackers in huts, the operation is illegal and consists of cat and mouse games with the authorities. The firework makers also forego fire and safety regulations placing themselves at danger. The fireworks are made for New Year celebrations. Cebu, Phillipines. 29/12/09.

For more than a few decades already, the Barangay of Babag in Lapulapu City, Cebu is abuzz with people coming from different places to work on the small scale firecracker industry that sprout in many open spaces in the area in time for the Christmas and New Year holidays wherein many Filipinos greet these celebrations with parties and a bang. The louder, the better.

Many of these backyard operations are illegal and most play cat and mouse with inspecting police teams. Working under makeshift huts, these workers often forego personal health safety protection against airborne explosive chemicals and particles and handle manually the preparation and packaging of these firecrackers to be sold to the public.