TO minimize firecracker injuries, President Marcos Jr. yesterday urged local government units (LGUs) to set up a common area for fireworks displays to welcome the New Year.
“I will enjoin the LGUs, instead of allowing our people to have their own firecrackers, make your own beautiful fireworks display for your constituents,” the President said in a video message after the distribution of Christmas gifts to street children and livelihood aid to indigent families in Manila.
Marcos warned Filipinos about the dangers and health effects of firecracker use, adding that some are more dangerous, especially those that were made by unknown sources.
“Let us not use firecrackers for now. We know that it is sometimes dangerous. Especially now that there are many firecrackers that we do not know where it was sourced from or if it was even done properly,” he said.
The PNP has been ramping up its efforts to confiscate and destroy banned firecrackers and pyrotechnics to protect the public, especially during New Year rites.
In 2017, then President Duterte ordered the regulation of the use of firecrackers and recommended that LGUs should instead hold community fireworks displays.
UNITY, GIFT GIVING
Marcos led gift-giving to street kids and livelihood distribution to indigenous people in Manila to spread the spirit of Christmas and make sure that Filipinos remain hopeful and positive that they can overcome every challenge if they are united and work together.
“Even if we are suffering now, even if there is a pandemic, the economy is slowly recovering and we are slowly recovering but it will not be possible if we are not helping each other,” the President said.
Marcos, during the “Pangkabuhayan at Pamaskong Handog ng Pangulo at Unang Ginang sa Sambayanang Pilipino” at the Open Amphitheater in Rizal Park, Manila, said Filipinos are actually strong, brave and resilient but they can do more if they are united.
He also said his administration has been organizing gift-giving events to give families some respite during the holidays and enable them to feel that there’s a brighter future awaiting them.
“So gumawa kami ng kaunting event, ng ganito para naman masabi natin [na] sana naman ay lahat ng Pilipino makaramdam ng Christmas spirit, makaramdam ng Pasko at kahit papaano, ay makikita natin na ang kinabukasan ay magiging mas maliwanag kaysa pinagdaanan natin (We organize these events, so we can let every Filipino feel the Christmas spirit, experience Christmas and see that they have a brighter future ahead despite the challenges),” he added.
Some 400 children and 574 families, including members of indigenous people (IP) groups, received Christmas and cash gifts from the President during the event.
Spearheaded by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the “Pangkabuhayan at Pamaskong Handog ng Pangulo at Unang Ginang sa Sambayanang Pilipino” caravan is intended for street dwellers and IP beneficiaries.
Adult beneficiaries received six kilograms of rice, grocery items, hygiene kits and cash assistance from the DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program, while each child beneficiary received food packs and gift packs containing toys and books.
The President again invited the public to visit Malacañang for the Simbang Gabi and Christmas Tree and parol viewing until December 24.
Through the “Tara sa Palasyo” program, the Kalayaan grounds in the Malacanang complex are open from 7 p.m. up to 6 a.m. the next day. Apart from attending the mass at 4:30 a.m., visitors are treated to some street foods along with the Christmas traditional food “puto bumbong” and “bibingka.”
Last Wednesday night, Marcos surprised families visiting the Malacañang grounds when he mingled with them.
He was on his way to a Christmas get-together with officials and personnel of the Radio and Television Malacañang (RTVM) when he arrived in the area past 8 p.m. and accommodated those who wanted to shake his hands and had his picture taken.
Malacanang estimated that some 2,116 individuals had visited the palace grounds and attended the Simbang Gabi held every 4:30 a.m. in front of the Mabini Hall.
