Ready to ring in the New Year? But before you do, have you considered the hidden dangers lurking in those dazzling firecrackers and fireworks? The EcoWaste Coalition, along with health professionals, government agencies, and environmental advocates, is sounding the alarm with their annual "Iwas Paputoxic" campaign. Their mission? To ensure a safe, healthy, and pollution-free New Year's celebration, especially for our children.
On December 15, 2025, at Pinyahan Elementary School in Quezon City, over 1,000 students and teachers, led by Principal Dr. Jocelyn Ladica, gathered to learn about the serious risks associated with firecrackers and fireworks. These risks include injuries, devastating fires, toxic emissions, and hazardous waste. The campaign encourages kids to ditch the dangerous firecrackers and embrace fun, safe, and eco-friendly alternatives.
But here's where it gets controversial... the use of firecrackers and fireworks has long been a tradition.
Dr. Percival Lao from the Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health highlighted the risks of firecracker-related injuries. He also pointed out the dangers of firecracker smoke, which contains harmful chemicals and particles that can trigger asthma, respiratory irritation, and other health problems.
"Firecrackers and fireworks are not toys for children to play with," Dr. Lao emphasized. "Injuries from the use of these devices can cause serious harm requiring emergency medical attention." But the risks extend beyond human health. He is a One Health specialist, and he recognizes the interconnected impacts on people, animals, and our shared environment. Loud explosions cause significant distress to pets and wildlife, triggering panic, disorientation, and even fatal stress responses in animals. The hazardous smoke and debris contaminate our air, water, and soil, affecting ecosystems that humans and animals alike depend on.
Representatives from the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine National Police (PNP), and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) also joined the call, reminding everyone about the annual spike in injuries and fire-related incidents caused by firecrackers. They urged families to take preventive safety measures.
EcoWaste Coalition National Coordinator Aileen Lucero encouraged the young participants to celebrate the holidays in creative and eco-friendly ways. She advocated for handmade noisemakers made from common household items to prevent injuries and reduce waste.
"We want children to enjoy the holiday season without risking their health or safety," Lucero stated. "By saying no to firecrackers and fireworks and by choosing safe substitute noisemakers, we protect not only ourselves but also the air we breathe and the environment we share with others, including our children, cats and dogs, who are very vulnerable to noise, fire, smoke and pollution."
So, what are these safe alternatives? The "Iwas Paputoxic" event showcased a variety of creative noisemakers, including "pa-alog" or shakers crafted from used boxes and containers filled with items like stones, seeds, coins, and bottle caps. Coconut shells, piggy banks, "maracas de lata," "tansan tambourines," musical instruments, and kitchen utensils like casseroles, pans, and pots were also on display.
During the program, each section enthusiastically shouted their chosen slogan promoting injury and pollution prevention, playing their alternative noisemakers with great energy and enjoyment. Parent leader Juana Sanat and student leader Julian Dennise Cruzat, representing the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) and the Supreme Elementary Learner Government (SELG), reinforced the importance of protecting personal and community health. They appealed to the students to avoid firecrackers, which are not considered toys.
The "Iwas Paputoxic" campaign, which began in 2006, is part of the EcoWaste Coalition's ongoing efforts to reduce firecracker-related injuries, air pollution, and toxic waste during the holiday season. The goal is to encourage families and communities to embrace safer and more sustainable ways of celebrating New Year's Eve. The group's initiative supports the government's "Iwas Paputok" program, led by the Department of Health (DOH).
What do you think? Are you ready to make a change and embrace a safer, eco-friendlier New Year's celebration? Share your thoughts and ideas in the comments below!
