Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso urged on Tuesday, Dec. 30, residents to avoid firecrackers and focus on safety as they welcome the New Year, stressing that celebrations can remain lively and joyful through safer alternatives.
He made the appeal during the send-off ceremony of the citywide “Oplan Paalala Iwas Paputok” at Kartilya ng Katipunan, where nearly 50 trucks from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)–Manila, along with the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), ambulances, and rescue vehicles, simultaneously sounded their sirens in a parade through the city’s major streets.
In his message, Mayor Domagoso emphasized the duty of government personnel, even if it means personal sacrifice during the holidays.
“Wala naman ibang aasahan ang tao kundi ang pamahalaan… madalas mas kasama natin ang tao kesa ang pamilya natin lalo na sa mga ganitong okasyon… umaasa sa atin ang taong bayan,” he said.
He also urged personnel to help ease the load of medical frontliners, as hospitals are already on alert for possible firecracker-related injuries.
“Bagamat handa na ang ospital, gusto ko makatulong din kayo sa ating mga medical frontliners. Naka-ready naman na sila pero malaking bagay kung matutulungan n’yo rin sila,” he added.
The activity forms part of the local government’s yearly effort to remind residents of the dangers posed by firecrackers and illegal fireworks.
Domagoso reiterated that prohibited fireworks will be confiscated by authorities, while encouraging Manileños to prioritize safety.
“Mas ligtas, masaya at maingay ang salubong, at ang importante sama-sama ang buong pamilya—buo, malusog—at manalangin tayo na ang 2026 ay maging magaan sa pamumuhay at maging malusog ang bawat pamilya,” he said. (Allysa Nievera)
