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LET US welcome the New Year without firecrackers and fireworks and channel the money saved to support disaster relief and rehabilitation work in areas devastated by tropical storm “Vinta.” Let us make the grieving families, especially those in Mindanao, feel they are not alone.
Concerned government agencies, companies and individuals can contribute to the “Vinta” relief and rehabilitation funds by choosing not to blow up firecrackers and fireworks. Money is not for burning. Money saved from buying a box of the banned piccolo to the more costly firework shows put up by local government units and businesses can be sent to the south to help “Vinta” survivors. Donations, no matter how small, can improve the living conditions of the disaster victims and lighten up their heavy loads.
It would be insensitive for us, the non-victims, to brighten up the skies with toxic-laced fireworks while many have no roof over their heads and very little to feast on during the most festive time of the year. “Vinta” survivors as well the good-hearted donors from here and abroad will surely appreciate such a gesture of sensitivity and compassion.
Remember, too, firecrackers are dangerous, deadly and dirty and a total waste of money for a few minutes of toxic revelry. We know it will take an entire community to protect humans, animals and the ecosystems from the outdated practice of igniting firecrackers and its life-threatening consequences. Barangays have a key role in preventing injuries, fires, hazardous fumes and wastes during the festivities. Imagine if the over 42,000 barangays across the country will intensify the campaign for a zero injury, zero fire and zero waste New Year revelry.
Yes, extreme pollution from the unrestrained blasting of firecrackers and fireworks goes against the Clean Air Act, which recognizes the right of every citizen to breathe clean air. It is high time for every Filipino to assert our right to breathe clean air, especially on New Year’s Eve and on New Year’s Day. It is time for us to claim our right not to be exposed to toxic pollutants and wastes from firecrackers.
Let us turn away from the injurious and polluting practice of blasting firecrackers and fireworks, and welcome the New Year with loads of joy, hope and solidarity, and without garbage and pollution that harm our environment, our climate and, above all, our children.
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