MANILA, Philippines - While on a holiday in Baguio, President Benigno Aquino III praised Metro Manila Film Festival entry Sisterakas which casts his sister Kris for its warnings against the use of firecrackers.
Aquino, in an ambush interview at Wright Park by the Philippine Information Agency, said he hopes people will heed the film's reminders as he urged people to avoid the purchase of firecrackers for New Year.
He added that the government runs a campaign with the Department of Health and Department of Interior and Local Government against the use of firecrackers and fireworks in the barangay level.
Wishing the country a safe, injury-free New Year, Aquino said that the Philippine National Police has been inspecting manufacturers to ensure that illegal firecrackers and minor explosives are not distributed in the market.
Alternative activities such as dancing Gangnam Style to celebrate the New Year instead of using firecrackers has already been proposed and advocated by government agencies in hopes to lessen related accidents.
The President will return to regular work in Manila on Saturday.