EcoWaste Coalition, PAWS Push “Iwas PapuToxic” to Protect Animals, Public Health, and the Environment Ahead of New Year’s Eve

28 December 2025, Quezon City – To protect cats and dogs, the children and the environment from harm, the EcoWaste Coalition and the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) renewed their call for a firecracker- and fireworks-free New Year through an “Iwas PapuToxic” event held on December 28, 2025 at Ayala Malls Vertis North in Quezon City.

The activity featured a pet parade, a staple of past Iwas PapuToxic events, where furparents and their animal companions marched around the mall carrying placards urging the public to avoid noisy and toxic pyrotechnics during New Year’s Eve revelry. The event highlighted the dangers that firecrackers and fireworks pose to companion animals, stray animals, people, and the environment.

Adding a creative and engaging element to the advocacy, participating furparents and their pets delighted mall-goers by dancing to the song “Opalite” by Taylor Swift with partially altered lyrics expressing the pitiful plight of our animal companions who suffer from loud explosions and toxic smoke. The chorus, for example, says: "It's not right; ang paputok ay parang lightning strike; usok ay hindi ko like; ang paputok ay wag i-light; oh my my; di ko kakayanin ang ganyang ingay; usok ay hindi ko like; ang paputok ay wag i-light."

“The thunderous blasts of New Year’s Eve firecrackers and fireworks inflict profound terror on pets and even greater trauma on defenseless strays,” said Atty. Anna Cabrera, Executive Director of PAWS. “Because pets perceive sound at much higher frequencies and volumes than humans, fireworks can trigger severe psychological distress. The earsplitting booms aren’t a celebration for them. Many dogs suffer so deeply that they continue to tremble and hide for hours following the explosions.”

Cabrera emphasized that animals kept outdoors are especially vulnerable during the festivities.

“In our country, many dogs remain caged or chained outdoors, yet PAWS advocates for them to live inside as true family members. For those who haven’t yet embraced this, we plead: please bring your dogs inside for New Year’s Eve,” she said. “Outdoor pets are the most vulnerable during the celebrations; they are defenseless against the deafening explosions and toxic fumes. Be compassionate — bring them indoors.”

Aside from animal welfare concerns, the Iwas PapuToxic event also raised alarm over the adverse effects of firecrackers and fireworks on public health and the environment. The widespread use of pyrotechnics during New Year’s Eve releases toxic smoke, fine particulate matter, and climate-warming gases that degrade air quality and can trigger or worsen respiratory illnesses, particularly among children, senior citizens, and people with pre-existing health conditions.

“As we prepare for 2026, we urge the public to abandon firecrackers and fireworks. Make your New Year countdown People-, Pet-, and Planet-friendly,” said Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator of the EcoWaste Coalition.

“Instead of dangerous pyrotechnics that can damage human health, inflict trauma and stress on defenseless dogs and cats, and contaminate the environment with toxic smoke and trash, the EcoWaste Coalition advocates for ‘Iwas PapuToxic’ alternatives like tansan tambourines, maracas de lata, pots, pans, and recycled shakers that protect humans, our animal companions, and the environment from harm,” Lucero added.

The EcoWaste Coalition and PAWS reiterated that welcoming the New Year without firecrackers and fireworks helps prevent injuries, reduces waste and pollution, and spares animals from fear and trauma, while still allowing families and communities to celebrate in fun, creative, and meaningful ways.

The Iwas PapuToxic campaign is part of the EcoWaste Coalition’s long-running advocacy since 2006 to reduce firecracker-related injuries, air pollution, and toxic waste during the holiday season, in support of the government’s Iwas Paputok program led by the Department of Health (DOH).