By Leonardo Micua

 

WISHING everyone a joyful Christmas! As the angel proclaimed to the shepherds the birth of Jesus Christ, we also say: “Peace on Earth and Goodwill to All!”

This holiday season, have you noticed a significant reduction in fireworks compared to previous years? We notice this nightly in Bonuan, where we live, where the only noise we hear is coming from children doing their  Christmas caroling.

This decline can likely be attributed to increased surveillance of firework manufacturers in Dagupan by the Dagupan Police Office, which has increased the risk of arrest for those engaged in illegal activities.

Following a tragic explosion at an illegal fireworks factory in Barangay Tebeng this November that resulted in one death and four injuries, the DPO has intensified its efforts to combat illegal firecracker production.

In response to the incident, equipment and materials used for making firecrackers were seized from another barangay, and the DPO is now closely monitoring for any emerging factory operations.

With no illegal fireworks factories currently active in Dagupan, we’ve also observed less noise coming from neighboring towns, suggesting that Dagupan was really the source of much of the holiday fireworks in the past.

However, we must remain vigilant—there’s a chance that manufacturers have relocated their illicit activities to surrounding towns where enforcement is less strict.

But wait, it’s not yet New Year’s Eve, when we can really find out if the police really succeeded in their drive against the illegal manufacturers.

Who knows if the manufacturers are just playing cat and mouse with the cops, and all of a sudden bring their wares out just a few hours before the big day?

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In another matter, a Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) official faced backlash after suggesting that P500 is already sufficient for a typical family of four for a simple Noche Buena this Christmas. 

Given her position, she should bear in mind that with the rising prices of essential goods, P500 is far from enough for a meaningful celebration. I challenge her to prepare a Noche Buena for four with just P500; if she finds it impossible, perhaps she should consider stepping down. 

The high cost of canned goods alone, even with a suggested retail price (SRP) set by DTI, renders a P500 budget insufficient, even for one person. 

Furthermore, for an ordinary worker earning P500 a day as minimum wage, transportation costs would quickly eat into that income. While bringing a home-cooked meal to work can help save a bit of money, it highlights the financial struggle many  Filipino families face nowadays. 

Her ill-conceived comment is not only insensitive but also disrespectful to families who can barely make both ends meet. The DTI official should retract her statement and apologize to those affected if she has not already done so.

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This year marks a somber Christmas for The Sunday Punch, as we celebrate our first holiday season without our esteemed Publisher-Editor Ermin Garcia Jr., who sadly passed away on July 23, 2025.

Since I joined The PUNCH over three decades ago, Ermin has always presided over our Christmas celebrations, whether at the Star Plaza Hotel, in our office, or at other venues.

I recall only once missing the Christmas party when my wife and I visited New Zealand to spend time with our son and his family, enjoying precious moments with our two granddaughters, who were just two and five years old at the time.

I fondly remember one Christmas gathering at the San Fabian Lodge, funded by our Publisher-Editor, when the late Manny Cornel was still among us and our production chief, Joy Ferrer, was yet to commit to anyone.

Now, in his absence, who will host our bingo games, offer monetary prizes, and provide delightful treats for our Noche Buena salads that we make at our own homes?  We truly miss Boss Ermin.