As the New Year approaches, a startling reality looms over the festivities: the annual surge in injuries, fires, and pollution caused by firecrackers. But here's where it gets controversial—while many cherish the tradition of lighting fireworks, others argue it’s a hazardous practice that endangers lives, pets, and the environment. Enter the EcoWaste Coalition’s “Iwas Paputoxic” campaign, a bold initiative aimed at transforming New Year’s Eve celebrations into safer, healthier, and eco-friendly events. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about avoiding injuries; it’s about protecting our shared planet and its inhabitants.
On 15 December 2025, the EcoWaste Coalition, alongside health experts, government agencies, and environmental advocates, gathered at Pinyahan Elementary School in Quezon City to launch this year’s campaign. Over 1,000 students and teachers, led by Principal Dr. Jocelyn Ladica, participated in an eye-opening program that highlighted the often-overlooked dangers of firecrackers. From severe injuries and fires to toxic emissions and hazardous waste, the risks are far-reaching. The event encouraged students to ditch firecrackers in favor of creative, safe, and eco-friendly noisemakers—a simple yet powerful shift that could save lives and reduce pollution.
Here’s the kicker: Dr. Percival Lao, a One Health specialist from the Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health, shed light on the interconnected impacts of firecrackers. Beyond human injuries, the loud explosions terrorize pets and wildlife, causing panic and even fatal stress responses. The toxic smoke and debris contaminate air, water, and soil, harming ecosystems that both humans and animals rely on. “Let’s welcome the New Year in a way that safeguards not just our loved ones, but also our animal companions, wildlife, and the environment,” Dr. Lao urged.
Representatives from the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine National Police (PNP), and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) echoed this sentiment, reminding students of the annual spike in firecracker-related incidents. They urged families to adopt preventive measures, emphasizing that firecrackers are no toy.
EcoWaste Coalition National Coordinator Aileen Lucero appealed to the young audience to celebrate creatively and sustainably. She championed the use of handmade noisemakers crafted from everyday items like used boxes, coconut shells, and kitchen utensils. “We want children to enjoy the holidays without compromising their health or safety,” Lucero said. “By choosing alternatives, we protect ourselves, the air we breathe, and the environment we share with our pets and future generations.”
The event showcased a variety of “alternatibong pampaingay” (alternative noisemakers), including shakers filled with stones, coins, or marbles, piggy banks turned into maracas, and tambourines made from bottle caps. Students enthusiastically chanted slogans advocating for injury and pollution prevention, then joyfully tested their creations.
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 message. They stressed the importance of protecting both personal and community health, urging students to steer clear of firecrackers.
The Iwas Paputoxic campaign is part of the EcoWaste Coalition’s long-standing advocacy, which began in 2006. It aims to reduce firecracker-related injuries, air pollution, and toxic waste during the holidays, encouraging safer, more sustainable celebrations. The initiative aligns with the government’s Iwas Paputok program, led by the DOH.
But here’s the question: Can tradition and safety coexist? As we approach the New Year, are we willing to rethink our celebrations for the greater good? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation, not a firecracker.
