QUEZON CITY – The EcoWaste Coalition, together with health professionals, government agencies, and environmental advocates, led this year’s “Iwas Paputoxic” campaign at Pinyahan Elementary School in Quezon City to promote a safe, healthy, and non-polluting celebration of the New Year, especially among children.
The event, held at the premises of Pinyahan Elementary School, gathered over 1,000 students and teachers led by Dr. Jocelyn Ladica, principal, for a timely program highlighting the dangers of firecrackers and fireworks, which year in and year out cause injuries, fires, toxic emissions, and hazardous residual garbage. The activity encouraged children to avoid firecrackers and instead create and use alternative noisemakers that are fun, safe, and environmentally friendly.
Guests from partner organizations joined the call for a “paputok-free” celebration. Dr. Percival Lao of the Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health spoke about the risks of firecracker-related injuries, as well as the risks linked to firecracker smoke, which contains harmful chemicals and particulates that can trigger asthma, respiratory irritation, and other health issues.
“Firecrackers and fireworks are not toys for children to play with. Injuries from the use of these devices can cause serious harm requiring emergency medical attention. But the risks extend beyond human health, Dr. Lao pointed out. “As a One Health specialist, we must recognize 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 soi,l affecting ecosystems that humans and animals alike depend on.”
“Let us usher in the New Year in a safe manner, in a way that protects not only our family and friends but also our animal companions, wildlife, and the environment we all share,” said Dr. Lao.
Representatives from the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine National Police (PNP), and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) also reminded students of the annual spike in injuries and fire-related incidents caused by firecrackers, urging families to practice preventive safety measures.
EcoWaste Coalition national coordinator Aileen Lucero appealed to the young participants to celebrate the holidays in creative and eco-friendly ways as she advocated for the use of handmade noisemakers 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 emphasized. “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.”
Among the “alternatibong pampaingay” featured at this year’s Iwas Paputoxic school event were assorted “pa-alog” or shakers crafted from used boxes and containers filled with some “bato, buto, barya or tansan,” coconut shells, piggy banks, “maracas de lata,” “tansan tambourine,” musical instruments, and kitchen utensils like casseroles, pans, and pots, among others.
During the program, each section shouted as loudly as they possibly could their chosen slogan advocating for injury and pollution prevention, and then played their alternative noisemakers with great enthusiasm, energy, and enjoyment.
Parent leader Juana Sanat and student leader Julian Dennise Cruzat, speaking on behalf of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) and the Supreme Elementary Learner Government (SELG), also encouraged the participants about the importance of protecting both personal and community health as they appealed to the students assembled not to use firecrackers, which are not considered toys.
The Iwas Paputoxic campaign is part of the EcoWaste Coalition’s long-running advocacy that started in 2006 to reduce firecracker-related injuries, air pollution, and toxic waste during the holiday period, and to encourage families and communities to adopt safer and more sustainable ways of celebrating New Year’s Eve.
The group’s Iwas Paputoxic drive is conducted in support of the Iwas Paputok program of the government led by the Department of Health (DOH).
