A Parol for sale at a stand at nighttime. A Filipino ornamental lantern displayed during the Christmas season. Made with capiz shells, led lights and bamboo.
The Department of Trade and Industry has launched the country’s first Philippine National Standard for parol, or traditional Christmas lanterns, in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to empower local industries and protect consumers.
The Philippines is known for celebrating the world’s longest Christmas season, with festive decorations and parol vendors appearing even before the “ber” months officially begin. The new standard aims to uphold the safety and quality of these iconic lanterns, a fixture in Filipino homes and communities during the holidays.
The newly issued PNS 2296-1:2025 – Lamps and Related Equipment – Parol – Part 1: Construction and Marking Requirements outlines how parols should be built and labeled to ensure safety and durability for both indoor and outdoor use.
Developed in collaboration with UL Standards & Engagement (ULSE), the initiative supports local manufacturers under the government’s Tatak Pinoyprogram, which promotes globally competitive Filipino-made products.
DTI Secretary Cristina Roque said the new standard will help parol makers enhance product quality, ensure safety, and compete globally.
“More than ensuring product safety, these standards uplift our parol makers whose craftsmanship reflects Filipino pride. By guiding them toward quality and reliability, we empower their businesses to grow and thrive globally while protecting Filipino consumers,” Roque said.
Assistant Secretary Regino Mallari Jr., head of the DTI Fair Trade Group, described the new standard as a step toward a safer and more sustainable parol industry
“Ang pagkakaroon ng kauna-unahang PNS para sa parol ay isang mahalagang hakbang towards economic growth and sustainability in the parol industry. Bagaman ito ay boluntaryo at hindi sapilitan, nagbibigay ito ng malinaw na gabay para sa mga manufacturer upang makalikha ng mga produktong dekalidad, ligtas, at maaasahan para sa mga mamimili,” he said.
(Having the first PNS for parol is a significant step toward economic growth and sustainability in the parol industry. Although voluntary, it provides clear guidance for manufacturers to produce quality, safe, and reliable products for consumers.)
The launch, held as part of the National Standards Week celebration, also featured exhibits of locally made parols and presentations from ULSE, UL Solutions, Design Center of the Philippines, Small Business Corporation, DTI Export Marketing Bureau, DTI Pampanga and DTI LGU
As the National Standards Body of the Philippines, the DTI Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS) is mandated to develop, promulgate, implement and coordinate standardization activities across the country.
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