GOAL: ZERO INJURIES – DOH-6 Calls For Safe, Peaceful Holiday Celebration

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The Department of Health Western Visayas (DOH-6) has launched a campaign for a safe and injury-free holiday season, urging the public to adopt alternatives to traditional fireworks.

DOH-6 Director Dr. Adriano Suba-an encouraged families to opt for organized fireworks displays and use safe substitutes such as torotot (horns), drums, light sticks, and other sound and light-emitting devices.

“It is best to celebrate the yuletide season with excitement and eagerness, and the agency needs advocates for this campaign to succeed,” Suba-an said on Thursday, December 19.

“As we embrace the holiday season, let us prioritize the health and safety of our families through the principles advocated by the Ligtas Christmas 2024 campaign,” he added.

Suba-an emphasized vigilance and responsibility in holiday activities, citing past data on injuries caused by firecrackers.

2023 Firework-Related Injuries

In 2023, Western Visayas recorded 294 fireworks-related injuries. Negros Occidental led with 103 cases, followed by Iloilo province with 97, Aklan with 33, and Antique and Capiz with 19 cases each.

Children were the most affected, with 98 injuries among those aged 1 to 10 and 94 among those aged 11 to 20.

Kwitis caused the most injuries, accounting for 54 cases or 18% of total incidents. Blast or burn injuries without amputations made up 73% of the cases, with 215 incidents reported.

Iwas Paputok Success in Iloilo City

The Iwas Paputok campaign in Iloilo City has successfully reduced firework-related injuries since 2022 by promoting safer alternatives.

Dariane Joy Papa of the Iloilo City Health Office noted that while achieving zero injuries may be challenging, continued awareness campaigns can help minimize risks.

“If we can’t achieve zero incidents, at least we can reduce common injuries like burns, eye injuries, and amputations. But we remain committed to the goal of zero injuries this holiday,” Papa said.

Regulation of Fireworks in Iloilo City

Iloilo City has implemented strict regulations on the sale, distribution, and use of fireworks and pyrotechnic devices. Specific areas for buying and selling fireworks have been designated, including:

• Circumferential Road 5 (C5): Both sides from Anne’s Place and Acropolis fence to the C5 Bridge corner Jocson Street in Arevalo District.
• Circumferential Road 1 (C1): Both sides from M.V. Hechanova Street to the approach of the Buhang Flyover.
• Muelle Loney Street: Along the riverside, in front of the Muelle Loney Statue.

Upcoming Fireworks Displays

Iloilo City will host breathtaking fireworks displays to celebrate the holidays.

On December 22 and 30, a Candyland Fireworks Display will light up SM Southpoint at 8:00 p.m.

The highlight will be an extravagant display at Drilon Bridge in Muelle Loney during the city’s official New Year Countdown on December 31.

The countdown festivities, free and open to the public, will start at 9:00 p.m. and feature a vibrant program, including a mini night market, DJ music, and other entertainment.

Leny Ledesma, Executive Assistant for Special Projects, shared that the 12 to 17-minute fireworks display will be orchestrated by a participant from an international pyrotechnic competition.

DOH-6 remains steadfast in its mission to advocate for safer holiday celebrations and reduce injuries caused by traditional firecrackers and pyrotechnics.