PHOTO FROM BAN TOXICS
Environmental group BAN Toxics launched its annual “Iwas Paputok” campaign at Payatas B Elementary School on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2025.
The school-based initiative drew around 2,000 participants, including students, teachers, parents, community members, and government officials.
Representatives from the Department of Health, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine National Police, and Barangay Payatas B LGU joined the event.
The campaign, themed “Iwas Paputok, Iwas Disgrasya, Iwas Polusyon,” promotes safer, cleaner, and toxics-free holiday practices.
BAN Toxics aims to educate children on the risks of firecrackers and encourage eco-friendly alternatives during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
School Principal Antonio Miranda said the campaign nurtures a generation that values safety and environmental protection.
A noise barrage using creative, eco-friendly noisemakers marked the launch, showing celebrations can be joyful without harmful fireworks.
Thony Dizon, Advocacy and Campaign Officer of BAN Toxics, urged the public to refrain from lighting firecrackers and choose non-polluting alternatives.
The Department of Health reported 843 firework-related injuries in 2025, up from 610 in 2024, with four fatalities linked to firecrackers and stray bullets.
BAN Toxics reminded the public that dangerous and illegal firecrackers remain prohibited under Republic Act 7183 and Executive Order No. 28.