DAGUPAN City has launched its “Oplan Iwas Paputok 2025” campaign with the distribution of 4,000 plastic trumpets or torotots to barangays as a safer alternative to firecrackers in welcoming the New Year.

The initiative, themed “Buhay ay Ingatan, Paputok ay Iwasan,” was formally launched at the Dagupan Plaza, where Mayor Belen Fernandez, city officials, police and fire personnel demonstrated the trumpets by blowing them in unison.

Fernandez said the city’s position is clear: “Zero casualties, no excuses, no compromises,” as she called on all barangay officials to strictly enforce the ban on illegal firecrackers and prevent injuries during the holidays.

She cited the deadly explosion of an illegal firecracker factory in Barangay Tebeng last November that killed one person and injured four others, urging barangay captains to be more vigilant against similar illegal activities.

Joining the mayor during the launch were Vice Mayor Bryan Kua, Fiesta Hermano Mayor Michael Fernandez, City Police Director Col. Orly Pagaduan, Fire Chief Inspector Jun Eland Wanawan, Liga ng mga Barangay president Marcelino Fernandez, and City Health Officer Dr. Julita de Venecia. All barangay captains or their representatives attended the event.

After the program, participants signed a commitment to support “Oplan Iwas Paputok,” followed by a ceremonial trumpet blowing.

The Dagupan City Police Office reiterated the list of prohibited firecrackers, including Goodbye Philippines, Goodbye Delima, Goodbye Naples, Goodbye Earth, Atomic Bomb, Bin Laden, Super Lolo, Watusi, and other similar explosives.

Wanawan said the campaign started on December 1, with the Bureau of Fire Protection conducting barangay visits to educate residents on the dangers of firecrackers. He also announced that the city’s designated firecracker zone is located on a vacant lot near the NBI office in Barangay Poblacion Oeste, where only licensed vendors complying with safety requirements are allowed to sell.

The launch concluded with a motorcade led by fire trucks from the Dagupan BFP, the Panda Volunteer Firefighting Brigade, and city government vehicles to drum up public support for the campaign. (Leonardo Micua)