DOH asks public to give up firecrackers in New Year

By: Emme Rose Santiagudo

The Department of Health-Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD)-6 rolled out its “Iwas Paputok” campaign to convince the public to give up the tradition of using firecrackers to meet the New Year.

While the health department does not condemn the tradition, Dr. May Ann Sta. Lucia, DOH-CHD 6 regional coordinator for injury and violence prevention program, said it has been one of the major causes of injuries and even deaths in the country.

“We are not saying that the tradition is not good but this kind of tradition wherein we use firecrackers has cost injuries and claimed lives not only here in the region but in the country,” Sta. Lucia said in a press conference Monday.

Instead of using firecrackers, Sta. Lucia urged the public to use alternative methods in greeting the New Year.

“They can engage in alternative methods of celebrating the New Year like the use of ‘torotot’, musical instruments, coins, cooking utensils, or videoke since it is our Filipino belief that the noises that we create drive away evil spirits,” she said.

Based on DOH-CHD-6 data, Western Visayas recorded 51 cases of firecracker-related injuries from Dec 21, 2018 to January 2019.

“Negros Occidental recorded the highest number of firecracker injuries followed by Bacolod City at 14, Iloilo province with 13, Iloilo City with seven and Antique and Guimaras each with one case,” Sta. Lucia said.

The youngest victim was four years old while the oldest was 72 years old.

On Monday, Sta. Lucia reiterated the laws that regulate and control the use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices in the country.

According to Sta. Lucia, Executive Order No. 28 regulates firecracker use.

Under the order, local government units (LGUs) are required to identify and designate firecracker zones for the residents.

“Ini nga firecrackers zone should not be densely populated areas like schools and markets. There should also be available medical staff who will respond to any emergencies and available fire-fighting equipment. The firecrackers zone should also have a safe distance from buildings that store highly flammable materials and a safe distance from electrical posts,” Sta. Lucia said.

Aside from prohibiting the sale and use of firecrackers in densely populated areas, LGUs are also encouraged to conduct community fireworks display.

“Kon indi sila makapugong magpalupok firecrackers mamangkot sila kay kapitan ukon mayor’s office kon sa diin gindesignate sang aton officials as fire crackers zone,” Sta. Lucia added.

DOH-6 launched the “Iwas Paputok” programs Nov 26 with focus on the use of torotot or horns through a torotot competition.

The health department also visited several provinces in the region recently to conduct coordination meetings and information drive among barangay captains and other stakeholders.

“Behavioral change is really difficult. It will take time,” Sta. Lucia said.