The Environmental Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (EMB-DENR) has reported a substantial decrease in fireworks-related emissions during New Year’s Eve (NYE) 2025 compared to the previous year. This data, gathered through ambient air quality monitoring, highlights a positive trend toward cleaner air especially during New Year celebrations.
Firecrackers and fireworks release various pollutants during combustion, including Particulate Matter (PM), Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), Ozone (O3), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), and metal particles.
Among these, PM2.5 and PM10 are of particular concern due to their health impacts. Prolonged exposure to PM, which may contain toxic heavy metals, can lead to respiratory, cardiovascular, and other health issues.
The EMB, in coordination with its regional offices, utilized both manual and automated operations to assess the air quality during the New Year’s Eve through its Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (AAQMS) nationwide.
In the National Capital Region (NCR), monitoring stations in Makati and Pasig recorded significant improvements. PM10 concentrations from 12:00 AM to 2:00 AM on NYE 2025 measured 149 µg/Ncm, which is within the 24-hour guideline value of 150 µg/Ncm and reflects a 54% decrease compared to 321 µg/NCM on NYE 2024.
Meanwhile, PM2.5 concentrations dropped by 53%, with the recorded 119 µg/Ncm on NYE 2025 from 253 µg/Ncm on NYE 2024. However, the recorded levels on NYE 2025 were 240% higher than the 24-hour guideline value of 35 µg/NCM, and 621% higher on NYE 2024, emphasizing the need for further measures.
The improvement can be attributed to the reduced use of firecrackers, increased adoption of community fireworks displays, and rain showers experienced in Metro Manila during the New Year celebrations.
The ambient air quality findings outside of NCR, across nine regional monitoring stations showed a slight 2% increase in PM10 concentrations, from 55 µg/Ncm on NYE 2025 to 54 µg/Ncm in 2024.
However, PM2.5 concentrations in stations in La Union and Davao City recorded an average of 42% decrease, from 12 µg/Ncm in 2024 to 7 µg/Ncm in 2025.
The 2025 New Year’s Eve average for PM2.5 from 15 operational stations was 38 µg/Ncm, which is 9% higher than the 24-hour guideline value of 35 µg/Ncm.
Assistant Secretary for Environment and concurrent EMB Director Jacqueline A. Caancan emphasized the importance of real-time air quality monitoring, stating, “Monitoring air quality during New Year’s Eve celebrations is crucial to assess the impact of fireworks emissions. This practice heightens public awareness and supports efforts to safeguard public health and the environment.”
The regulation of firecrackers is guided by Executive Order No. 28, Series of 2017, which mandates the conduct of community fireworks displays and prohibits unauthorized use of firecrackers. The Philippine National Police (PNP), in coordination with the Department of Health (DOH), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), DENR, and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), leads the enforcement of this directive.
This collaborative approach aims to mitigate air pollution and protect public health, especially during celebrations that traditionally see spikes in fireworks emissions.
“The EMB continues to advocate for cleaner air and encourages the public to celebrate responsibly. Community fireworks displays and reduced firecracker use remain critical to achieving a healthier environment for all,” Caancan concluded.
For further updates about the Ambient Air Quality Monitoring on New Year’s Eve 2024 and 2025, you may follow the link below for more information.
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