MANILA – The city government of Marikina on Monday held its annual year-end concert aimed at preventing firecracker-related injuries for the New Year revelries this Tuesday.

The concert, which started around 4 p.m., pushed through despite heavy rains, with hundreds of attendees seeking shelter in the Marikina Sports Center’s bleachers. Some attendees held their umbrellas in the open field to watch the concert.

Among those who performed were from the glee clubs of different private and public schools in Marikina City, singing and dancing to traditional Christmas songs.

Toneejay, The Juans, and Maki were expected to headline the main concert at 7 p.m.

Mayor Marcy Teodoro said the concert sought to remind residents that they could watch the fireworks display in open grounds and designated firecracker zones to prevent injuries.

“Sa ganon, ma-encourage natin ang mga kababayan natin sa Marikina na manood na lang ng community-based fireworks. Kung magpapaputok sila bukas, sa Bagong Taon, inaasahan natin na sa open spaces natin, parks and playgrounds, sa loob ng kanilang subdivision o sa community areas na mayroon tayo,” Teodoro told ABS-CBN News.

“Kasabay ng fireworks display na ito ay isang drone show,” he added.

The local chief executive said the concert also wanted to thank Marikina’s residents for their resiliency during crises and their cooperation during their calamity operations.

This year-ender celebration, he said, is also open to non-residents.

Marikina City’s fireworks display will happen at 10:55 p.m., according to organizers.