In a virtual conference participated by various reference persons, Dr. Nina Iszatt, an environmental epidemiologist at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, pointed out citizen science should be generated within a framework that puts communities at the center. The ultimate aim is to combine knowledge and action for social change to improve community health and eliminate health disparities. With what she stated, my team, The Full Circle, came up with a social campaign named Lights Shouldn't Be A Fright petitioning the government to prohibit fireworks before the new year strikes. This, alone, is for starters of ensuring the safety and well-being of every Filipino and the community itself during the pandemic.

From the past years up to this day, the Department of Health never failed to report fireworks-related injuries; despite the word from the authorities, Filipinos remained stubborn for this. They still would light and set off fireworks whenever they "need" and want. Our social campaign, Lights Shouldn't Be A Fright, strives to provide a safer place generally for everybody.

With the current situation of our country experiencing and suffering from the pandemic along with the new calendar approaching, putting a firework display and igniting firecrackers to welcome 2021 won't help at all. Such activities can attract people, perhaps, huge gatherings and big crowds; as we are practicing social distancing and safety measures, fireworks must be banned. While the COVID-19 cases are still rising, banning fireworks would be of help to harmlessly observe physical distances of individuals from each other.

Lights Shouldn't Be A Fright seeks to grab the government officials' and authorities' attention to sign this petition. The authorities cannot keep ordering everyone to refrain from using explosive devices. Instead, for Filipinos to actually avoid and stop buying they must halt the production and marketing of firecrackers and fireworks.