San fernando: A Philippine National Standard (PNS) has been issued for parol, the traditional Philippine-made lanterns, aimed at protecting consumers and boosting the quality of Filipino craftsmanship on an international scale.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) announced in a press release that the PNS was recently launched in San Fernando, Pampanga. This city is renowned as the ‘Home of the Giant Lanterns’ and hosts the annual Giant Lantern Festival each December. The national standards align with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s initiative to empower local industries and protect consumers.

The PNS was developed with the assistance of UL Standards and Engagement (ULSE), highlighting the government’s commitment to supporting local manufacturers under the Tatak Pinoy brand. DTI Secretary Cristina Roque emphasized that the standards not only ensure product safety but also enhance the craftsmanship of parol makers, which represents Filipino pride. By steering them towards quality and reliability, the standards aim to empower these businesses to expand globally while safeguarding Filipino consumers.

DTI Fair Trade Group Assistant Secretary and Supervising Head lawyer Regino Mallari Jr. added that the PNS for Philippine-made lanterns also ensures the sustainability of the lantern-making industry within the country.