Spend money on ‘Sendong’ victims, not firecrackers!

MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang on Monday, Dec. 26, 2011, urged the public to donate to victims of typhoon Sendong whatever funds they intend to use for firecrackers and fireworks for New Year’s eve.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte made the appeal when asked for a Palace message in line with the government’s anti-firecracker campaign.

“We would like to reiterate our yearly appeal from the DOH [Department of Health] not only to skip using firecrackers, but also whatever money to be spent on it be donated to our countrymen in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan who were affected [by typhoon Sendong],” Valte said.

She also conveyed Malacañang’s gratitude to the civilian volunteers and other public servants who continue to help typhoon victims in the affected areas, and even spent Christmas in evacuation centers.

On Monday, children in Malate marched to campaign against the use of firecrackers this season.

Valte said should parents  allow their children to use firecrackers despite appeals from the government, they should closely supervise their children to prevent accidents.

“It would be difficult to spend the New Year in the hospital unless you are giving birth,” she said. – Rappler.com