Students Urged to Choose Safe, Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Firecrackers
Encouraging Safe Celebrations for the New Year
15 December 2025, Quezon City – The EcoWaste Coalition, alongside health professionals, government agencies, and environmental advocates, launched the “Iwas Paputoxic” campaign at Pinyahan Elementary School. This initiative aims to promote a safe, healthy, and environmentally friendly way to celebrate the New Year, particularly for children.
The event drew over 1,000 students and teachers, organized by principal Dr. Jocelyn Ladica. The program highlighted the dangers associated with firecrackers and fireworks, which consistently lead to injuries, fires, toxic emissions, and hazardous waste. The focus was on encouraging children to forgo firecrackers in favor of creative, safe, and eco-friendly noise-making alternatives.
The Health Risks of Firecrackers
Health professionals attending the event underscored the serious risks tied to firecracker-related injuries. Dr. Percival Lao from the Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health elaborated on how firecracker smoke contains harmful chemicals and particulates that can incite respiratory issues, including asthma.
“Firecrackers are not toys for children,” Dr. Lao warned. “They can cause severe injuries requiring emergency attention. Beyond personal harm, the environmental impact is significant as well. Loud explosions can distress pets and wildlife, triggering panic and disorientation, while the smoke contaminates our air, water, and soil.”
Shifting Towards Eco-Friendly Celebrations
At the event, participants were encouraged to celebrate the holidays using handmade noisemakers crafted from everyday household items. EcoWaste Coalition National Coordinator Aileen Lucero highlighted the importance of these creative alternatives in preserving health and reducing waste.
“We want children to enjoy the holiday season without risk,” Lucero emphasized. “By avoiding firecrackers and opting for safe alternatives, we protect our health and the environment—especially our vulnerable pets, children, and the community.”
Creative Noisemaker Ideas Showcased
This year’s Iwas Paputoxic campaign featured an array of “alternatibong pampaingay,” including shakers made from recycled boxes filled with various items like stones, coins, coconut shells, and even repurposed kitchen utensils. Each participating section enthusiastically promoted slogans advocating for injury and pollution prevention, showcasing their alternative noisemakers with pride.
The Importance of Community Health Awareness
Leaders Juana Sanat and Julian Dennise Cruzat, representing the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) and the Supreme Elementary Learner Government (SELG), underscored the necessity of protecting both personal and community health. Their message resonated deeply: firecrackers are not toys and should be avoided for the safety of everyone.
A Long-Standing Advocacy Against Firecrackers
The Iwas Paputoxic campaign forms part of the EcoWaste Coalition’s ongoing mission since 2006—a drive aimed at minimizing firecracker-related injuries and promoting sustainability during festive seasons. This initiative, supporting the government’s Iwas Paputok program, encourages families and communities to adopt safer, environmentally-friendly practices when ringing in the New Year.
