Glowing in Harmony: Parol Artisans Embrace Unified Standard

In February 22, 2024 the Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS), in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Pampanga and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of San Fernando, Pampanga, took a proactive step by organizing a laboratory visit to the BPS testing facility in Cavite. This visit provided an opportunity for stakeholders to gain firsthand insight into the testing procedures and protocols employed by BPS to ensure the quality and safety of products. Total of 15 parol makers from the City of San Fernando Pampanga were present during the laboratory visit.

During the visit, Assistant Secretary Atty. Amanda Marie F. Nograles of the Consumer Protection Group (CPG), Ma. Lourdes Carmella Jade D Pangilinan of City Tourism and Investment Promotions Officer, City of San Fernando, Pampanga and BPS Director Neil P. Catajay showed their support during the visit. Their attendance indicates a diverse blend of expertise, suggesting discussions or initiatives involving government, tourism promotion, and regulatory standards within the laboratory's context.

Following this, the BPS-ULSE Conference 2024 took place at the Laus Group Event Center in San Fernando, Pampanga on March 13, 2024. The conference, themed "Lights and Lanterns: Shining Safely to the World," brought together 130 parol-makers from Pampanga and Tarlac, alongside industry stakeholders.

OIC-Regional Director Brigida T. Pili of DTI Region 3 warmly greeted the participants and guests, acknowledging their presence with gratitude and setting a positive tone for the gathering.  Thereafter, Mr. Kolin Low, Regional Director of UL Standards & Engagement, took the stage to emphasize the significance of standards in product development. He underscored the importance of adherence to standards in ensuring quality, safety, and reliability.

Meanwhile, Ms. Ma. Lourdes Carmella Jade D. Pangilinan, the City Tourism and Investment Promotions Officer, provided a thorough exploration into the rich history of San Fernando's parol-making tradition, which has earned the city the esteemed title of the "Christmas Capital."

DTI Pampanga Provincial Director Elenita R. Ordonio then took the floor to expound upon the various programs and services offered by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). She highlighted how these initiatives have played a pivotal role in supporting and advancing the parol industry, thereby contributing to its growth and sustainability.

Ms. Deb Prince, Program Director of Autonomy & Robots at UL Standards & Engagement, introduced the UL Standards Program, highlighting the significance of the UL 588 Standard in ensuring safety during festive seasons for over a century. While Mr. Neo Hsiao, serving as the Engineering Manager, facilitated a technical presentation led by UL Solutions Experts. Their focus was on exploring UL 588 in detail, emphasizing its supply chain requirements and discussing the latest trends and development. Attendees received valuable insights into the standard's significance and its impact on product safety and compliance within the industry.

Following the enlightening discussion and knowledge-sharing session by the guest speakers, three esteemed parol and lighting makers from region 3 expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the event organizers, as well as to the Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). In a gesture of appreciation and commitment to furthering the industry, they announced the initiation of a progressive program tailored specifically for parol and lighting manufacturers. This proactive move aimed to foster collaboration, innovation, and sustainable growth within the industry, while also enhancing product quality and ensuring compliance with standards. Their initiative was met with enthusiastic support from fellow attendees, marking a significant step forward in the advancement of the parol and lighting manufacturing sector in the region.

After the sharing session by the parol manufacturers, an open forum was conducted to further engage the audience and clarify any queries or concerns regarding their presentations.

During the forum, an attendee raised a pertinent query: "What is the process for establishing a standard for a parol?" This question highlighted a crucial aspect of ensuring quality and safety within the industry. In response, the manufacturers or representatives likely outlined the steps involved in developing a standard, which may include research, consultation with stakeholders, testing, and regulatory approval.

The parol-makers were also elated and filled with excitement upon learning about the initiative to regulate a single standard for the parol industry. This collaborative effort between the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Bureau of Product Standards (BPS) marks a significant milestone for them. With a standardized guideline in place, they see it as a crucial step towards enhancing their production processes and elevating the quality of their products. Moreover, they recognize that adhering to international standards not only improves the competitiveness of their parols domestically but also positions them favorably in the global market. This regulation provides them with a solid framework to streamline operations, ensure consistency in product quality, and ultimately enables them to meet the demands and expectations of a broader customer base, both locally and internationally.

Overall, the primary objective of the event was to establish unified standards for lantern manufacturing businesses. By convening key players in the industry, including manufacturers, government agencies, and local authorities, these events aimed to streamline manufacturing processes, enhance product quality, and ensure safety compliance. Ultimately, the goal was to promote the growth and competitiveness of the lantern industry in the province while prioritizing consumer safety and satisfaction. 

Photo opportunity with with Assistant Secretary Atty. Amanda Marie F. Nograles of Consumer Protection Group, Director Neil Catajay of BPS, Ms. Ma. Lourdes Carmella Jade D Pangilinan of City Tourism and Investment Promotions Office, employees of LGU City of San Fernando, Pampanga and associates of DTI Pampanga Provincial Office during the Laboratory visit to the BPS testing facility in Cavite on February 22, 2024

In this photo. BPS Director Neil Catajay, DTI Pampanga Provincial Director Elenita R. Ordonio, DTI Region 3 OIC-Regional Director Brigida T. Pili, City of San Fernando Mayor Vilma Caluag, Regional Director of UL Standards & Engagement Kolin Low, City Tourism and Investment Promotions Officer Ma. Lourdes Carmella Jade D Pangilinan. 

Group Photo during the BPS-ULSE Conference 2024 at the Laus Group Event with the Parol Manufacturers of Region 3 on March 13, 2024.