Bontoc, Mountain Province โ€“ The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), in collaboration with the Bontoc Local Government Unit (LGU) and other partner agencies, launched the โ€œOPLAN PAALALA: IWAS PAPUTOK 2024โ€ campaign with a motorcade earlier this morning, December 05, 2024.

In the Philippines, has become a tradition to celebrate the New Year with loud firecrackers and vibrant fireworks, based on the belief that the noise will drive away negative energy and usher in blessings for the coming year. However, the use of these loud firecrackers has led to numerous injuries related to fireworks in various parts of the country over the past year.

The โ€OPLAN PAALALA: IWAS PAPUTOK 2024โ€ campaign aims to raise awareness about fire safety and to prevent fire incidents and injuries caused by firecrackers during the festive Yuletide season.

In a separate interview, Bontoc Mayor Jerome Chagsen B. Tudlong, Jr., urged the public to consider safer alternatives to firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices. He suggested using sound systems, light-emitting devices, percussion instruments, pans, tambourines, and bells, as well as participating in community fireworks displays.

โ€œLet us do our part and support this campaign to ensure zero firecracker -related injuries. Let us be innovative in welcoming the New Year with alternative noise-makers such as horns, trumpets, and pans,โ€ Mayor Tudlong emphasized.

On the part of the Bontoc LGU, the offices that participated in the motorcade include the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and Municipal Health Office.