President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Thursday asked local government units to organize community displays of fireworks to keep individuals from using firecrackers.

"All we have to do is I will enjoin the LGUs, instead of allowing our people to have their own firecrackers, just make a good fireworks display for your constituents," Marcos said in a chance interview after leading the distribution of Christmas gifts to poor families in Manila.

The President said setting up community fireworks displays will be effective in reducing firecracker injuries as Filipinos welcome the New Year.

He also warned Filipinos about the dangers and health effects of firecracker use, particularly those that result from their reckless and indiscriminate use.

"Let's not set off firecrackers and we know that sometimes that is dangerous, especially now. And there are firecrackers being sold that we don't know where they came from or if they were well-manufactured," he pointed out.

The health department earlier noted a downward trend in firecracker-related injuries in the country, citing figures in recent years: 122 cases were recorded in 2020, while 128 were reported last year.

Meanwhile, Justin Develos, a 21-year-old student, said while it is their family tradition to greet the New Year with a bang, they'll just have to settle with non-pyrotechnic noise makers.

"Right now, it is hard to find firecrackers, and if we find one, it is very costly. So, we'd rather spend our money to buy food for New Year's Eve," he told the Daily Tribune in an interview.

"We could use cooking pans or metal scraps to make noise," he noted. Life this year has been tough, he said, so they are excited to celebrate Christmas and New Year as a family.

"All my siblings already have their own families and they live far away from us. So on these holidays, they come to our home and we celebrate together under one roof," he said.

On Wednesday evening, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. surprised families visiting Malacañang to view its Christmas tree and lantern displays at the Kalayaan Grounds.

He made the surprise visit while on his way to a get-together with officials and personnel of the Radio and Television Malacañang.

Marcos arrived in the area at around 8 p.m. and took pictures with the visitors who came from nearby cities and as far as Cavite and Laguna provinces.

As he walked forward to greet them, the visitors chanted his name and greeted him with a "Merry Christmas."

Ben Aguilar, a visitor from Muntinlupa City, said he did not expect to see the Chief Executive in person.

"I am very happy because the Palace is open to the public. And it is quite amusing as the public looks up to a leader who is within reach," he told the Office of the Press Secretary.

The opening of Malacañang is part of the President's goal to make sure that Filipino children will have a joyful and meaningful Christmas.

From Tuesday evening until 4 a.m. Wednesday, at least 2,116 individuals have seen the Christmas displays and attended the Simbang Gabi held every 4:30 a.m., in front of the Mabini Hall.

Those visiting Malacañang can enter the Palace Grounds through Gate 6.