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Kids, teens advised not to spend Christmas cash gifts on firecrackers

MANILA, Dec. 27 (PNA) -- A waste and pollution watchdog has reminded the public, especially children and teenagers, not to spend the Christmas cash gifts they have received to buy firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices.

The EcoWaste Coalition, a civil society partner of the Department of Health (DOH) in the ongoing campaign for an injury-free celebration, aired the appeal following the rise in the number of firecracker-related injuries a few days before the New Year.

“We would like to again remind our kids and teens that firecrackers are not toys. Please don’t be tempted to spend the money given by your godparents and others to buy banned 'piccolo' and other firecrackers, which can put your lives in danger,” said Aileen Lucero, the coalition's national coordinator.

“We address this appeal to kids and teens and their parents, as most of the victims in last year’s revelry were very young people,” she added.

According to the last DOH report, 500 of the 920 firecracker-related injuries involved children less than 14 years.

The top fireworks that caused injuries were the 'piccolo' (42 percent), 'kwitis' (11 percent), 'luces' (6 percent) and '5-star' (4 percent). Unknown firecrackers accounted for 11 percent of the injuries recorded.

“We also appeal to all conscientious vendors not to sell firecrackers to kids and teens who are most prone to accidental injuries. The life you save may be that of your own son or daughter. There must be a safer way to earn money during the holidays without jeopardizing the well-being and future of our youth,” she said.

The EcoWaste Coalition instead called on households and commercial establishments to donate the money set aside for firecrackers and fireworks to charitable causes.

“Instead of burning money for dangerous, deadly and dirty firecrackers and fireworks, please make donations to the victims of Typhoon Nina in the affected provinces in the Bicol and Southern Tagalog regions,” she suggested.

“Our little acts of charity can alleviate the sufferings of the Christmas typhoon victims,” she said.

On Wednesday, Dec. 28, the EcoWaste Coalition, in collaboration with animal welfare groups, will hold a “Pet-A-Thon” at the Quezon Memorial Circle to encourage the public not to use firecrackers for the sake of animals who suffer a lot from the ear-splitting noise.

On Friday, Dec. 30, the group will organize a community parade in Barangay Project 6, Quezon City to show alternative pollution-free noisemakers for the New Year revelry that can be used in lieu of firecrackers. (PNA)

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