With only three days left before Filipinos usher in the new year, non-government organizations advocating for pet and environment care partnered for a campaign against the use of firecrackers in Quezon City.

In an “Iwas Paputoxic” event, the EcoWaste Coalition and Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) called on the public to avoid the use of firecrackers in welcoming the new year to protect their pets and prevent pollution, reported RH 5 Val Gonzales.

As part of the program, the groups held a pet parade at the Ayala Mall and Vertis North in North Avenue. Pet owners, fondly dubbed “fur-parents,” paraded with their pets, who are greatly affected by the loud noises and smoke from firecrackers.

According to animal welfare advocate Atty. Anna Cabrera, firecrackers’ loud banging sounds cause fright and distress in animals, leading to physical stress responses such as trembling. She appealed to pet owners to bring their pets indoors during New Year celebrations.

Pets aside, the environment is also among the most negatively impacted by the widespread use of fireworks. The resulting air pollution is detrimental to the public’s health, particularly children’s and the elderly’s.

Aileen Lucero of EcoWaste Coalition said that welcoming 2026 should be done in a people-, pet-, and planet-friendly way.