New Year’s Eve is three days away. As we prepare to welcome 2025, many rituals of customs will be included in the celebration. Families coming together, round fruits on the table, food dishes from heirloom recipes, coins and bills in the pocket, even dotted clothing.
And many will still include the burst of light and sound from firecrackers, a deeply ingrained tradition meant to drive away bad luck. Yet, this custom comes with severe consequences: injuries, property damage, and environmental harm. The Department of Health (DOH) and law enforcement agencies have repeatedly warned about these dangers, but the persistent use of firecrackers continues.
As of Dec. 26, the DOH recorded 69 firecracker-related injuries, 86 percent of which were caused by illegal firecrackers such as the notorious “boga.” Of these, 58 victims were children aged 19 and below. Last year’s figures show a similar trend, with mostly minors affected. These injuries often lead to life-altering consequences, including amputations, burns, and eye damage. The fact that many victims are children underscores the urgent need for stricter enforcement and public awareness.
Republic Act (RA) No. 7183, signed in 1992, regulates the sale, manufacture, and use of firecrackers. The law bans dangerous items such as “super lolo,” “atomic bomb,” “watusi,” and oversized firecrackers. Violators face severe penalties, including fines of up to ₱30,000, imprisonment of up to one year, and revocation of licenses and business permits for manufacturers and sellers.
Despite these measures, illegal firecrackers remain widely available. Recently, the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) took down 115 social media sites selling banned items. Among these were accounts in Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).
On Dec. 23, the PNP-ACG agents arrested two residents of Makati City for selling illegal firecrackers during the conduct of a buy-bust in San Fernando, Pampanga, where an agent posing as a buyer paid ₱60,000 for the items. Seized were 15 rims of “plapla,” 10 bundles of “kabase,” 27 pieces of “atomic bomb,” and 174 pieces of “small atomic bombs.”
Aside from injuries, firecrackers pose significant environmental and health risks. They release harmful pollutants that contribute to air and noise pollution, aggravating respiratory conditions and distressing animals. Firecracker debris also clogs waterways and litters streets, adding to the environmental burden.
The solution is simple yet impactful: opt for safer and sustainable alternatives. Use horns, musical instruments, or even household items like pots and pans to create noise, instead of firecrackers. Local government units (LGUs) can organize professional fireworks displays, which are better controlled and far less hazardous. Families can also bond over karaoke sessions or other creative activities to celebrate the occasion.
Public awareness campaigns play a crucial role in shifting cultural attitudes. The DOH, PNP, and media outlets should continue educating communities about the dangers of firecrackers and the benefits of safer alternatives. Parents, too, must take responsibility by supervising their children and ensuring they do not have access to dangerous items.
Welcoming the New Year should be a time of joy and hope, not a cause for hospital visits or mourning. By saying no to firecrackers, we can protect our loved ones, safeguard the environment, and foster a culture of safety and responsibility.
Let us begin 2025 with a collective commitment to making our celebrations safer and healthier.