THE ILOILO City government’s decision to regulate firecrackers this holiday season is most welcome, although a ban would be more environment-friendly.
The dangerous, polluting and pricey ritual of blasting firecrackers to celebrate the holidays is grossly out of place as the country faces tough financial times amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
Given the sad state of the economy, the environment and public health, it is totally inappropriate to be spending for costly firecrackers and fireworks while poor people forage the bins and dumps for food.
Money thrown away for a few minutes of flicker and sparkle that emit toxic smoke and dirt (which can cause ill health, while terrifying powerless animals), should be spent wisely for a healthy.
Also, funds allocated for multi-million peso pyrotechnic display being planned by public and private entities are better spent to bring real food to the tables of hungry Filipinos, and/or buy COVID-19 vaccines.
We exhort all parents and kids to switch to non-injurious, non-wasteful and non-toxic revelry to avoid the yearly scene of carnage and trash, as well as to honor and thank Mother Nature for her bountiful gifts to our nation and people. Firecrackers pose serious threats to life, limb, health and property, and present a climate and chemical challenge with the emission of harmful substances that can aggravate the air quality.
The loud and frightening detonations also scare and disturb defenseless animals such as cats and dogs that have more acute sense of hearing than humans.
There are non-injurious, non-wasteful, non-toxic and easy-on-the-pocket replacements to costly and deadly firecrackers. Blow traditional horns or torotot. Make and shake homemade maracas from used tin cans. Jiggle the tambourine made from flattened bottle caps. Clang improvised cymbals using pot lids or pans.
Knock empty coconut shells. Play the guitar or any available musical instruments. Play your favorite music. Beep the bicycle or car horns. Clap your hands and stump your feet.
Be creative.
