ILOILO City – The Department of Health (DOH) is urging the public to adopt safer and healthier ways to celebrate Christmas and New Year, as 11 fireworks-related injuries have been recorded in Western Visayas since Dec. 21.
According to Dr. Fritzi Ann Suzette Jeroso-Dequito, head of DOH Region 6’s Health Promotion Unit, the injuries were reported from both sentinel and non-sentinel hospitals between Dec. 21 and 6 a.m. on Dec. 25.
Sentinel hospitals are designated facilities, such as Western Visayas Medical Center in Iloilo City and Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital in Negros Occidental, that report firework-related incidents.
Non-sentinel hospitals include district hospitals, other health facilities, and rural health units.
Of the 11 cases, three were from sentinel hospitals – one in Negros Occidental and two in Iloilo province – while eight were from non-sentinel hospitals, with cases recorded in Aklan (two), Capiz (one), Iloilo province (three), Negros Occidental (one), and Palawan (one).
Injury Trends and Common Causes
Compared to the same period last year, cases from sentinel hospitals increased by 50%, rising from two to four.
Conversely, non-sentinel hospital cases dropped by 64%, from 22 in 2023 to eight this year.
The most common injuries include blast or burn injuries with eye involvement, followed by blast or burn injuries without amputation.
Children remain the most affected group, with many injuries attributed to the use of boga, an improvised cannon made of bamboo or PVC pipe. The use of boga is prohibited under Executive Order No. 28 and Republic Act 7183.
No cases of fireworks ingestion or stray bullets have been reported in the region this year.
Historical Fireworks-Related Injury Data
Data from the past five years reveal fluctuating trends in fireworks-related injuries in Western Visayas:
* 2019 – 115 cases (47 sentinel, 68 non-sentinel)
* 2020 – 42 cases (9 sentinel, 33 non-sentinel)
* 2021 – 130 cases (27 sentinel, 103 non-sentinel)
* 2022 – 212 cases (36 sentinel, 176 non-sentinel)
* 2023 – 294 cases with one death (37 sentinel, 257 non-sentinel)
Blast and burn injuries remain the leading cause of injuries, with kwitis, boga, and trianggulo identified as the top firecrackers causing harm.
DOH’s Holiday Safety Campaign
DOH anticipates an increase in fireworks-related injuries as New Year’s Eve approaches. To mitigate risks, Jeroso-Dequito emphasized the importance of safer and healthier alternatives, such as using torotot (party horns), banging pots and pans, or playing loud music.
“Celebrations need not be expensive or risky. Let us avoid firecrackers and set a good example for children, who often imitate adults,” she said, urging parents to supervise children closely to prevent accidents.
As part of its Ligtas Christmas 2024 campaign, the DOH is advocating three key initiatives:
* Tamang Pagkain, Ehersisyo, at Disiplina – promotes healthy living through balanced diets, regular exercise, and self-discipline
* BiyaHealthy Ngayong Pasko – encourages road safety during the holiday season with tips such as the BLOW-BAG-SET checklist (Battery, Lights, Oil, Water, Brakes, Air, Gas, Self, Engine, Tires)
* Iwas Paputok – Advocates for safer alternatives to fireworks, such as organized community displays and sound-emitting devices
“Let us all choose healthier options and consider their long-term impact on our health for a safer holiday season,” Jeroso-Dequito said./PN
