Health officials urge Ilonggos to observe safe holiday season

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Public health officials are urging Ilonggos to celebrate the Christmas and New Year holidays safely, emphasizing the need to prevent avoidable injuries and health risks as festivities ramp up across the city and the region.

During a joint press conference with the Iloilo City Government, the Department of Health–Western Visayas Center for Health Development (DOH-6) reiterated its call for residents to follow the agency’s Ligtas Christmas Campaign 2025, which focuses on safe celebrations, healthy food practices, injury prevention, and responsible road use.

“We remind the public to stay cautious and prioritize their well-being as they enjoy this joyous season,” the DOH–6 said in its official press statement issued on Wednesday, Dec. 12.

Dr. Fritzi Ann Suzette Jeroso-Dequito, Medical Officer III and head of the DOH-6’s Health Promotion and Communications Management Section, stressed the regional goal of reducing holiday-related injuries.

“We are preparing our Rural Health Units, our facilities, and hospitals because incidents may still happen,” she said. “But we want zero fireworks-related injuries, and we want our cases to decrease this year.”

A key component of the initiative is Iwas Paputok, which seeks to reduce firecracker injuries by promoting safer noisemakers and encouraging participation in organized fireworks displays.

Supporting this effort, Executive Order No. 148, series of 2025, issued by Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu on Nov. 26, sets guidelines for the sale, manufacture, distribution, and use of fireworks in Iloilo City.

Designated sale zones from Dec. 1 to 31, 2025, are:

• Circumferential Road 1 corner Joscon Street
  • Circumferential Road 1 corner Iloilo East Coast–Capiz Road, along Ondoy’s Sugbahan
  • Muelle Loney Street, along Riverside in front of the Muelle Loney Statue

Health authorities also emphasized safe and healthy food practices.

Clarisse Montealto-Nieves, Nutritionist-Dietician II of the Iloilo City Health Office (CHO), discussed Healthy Handaan, which promotes hygienic food preparation, moderation in eating, and avoiding harmful substances such as alcohol and tobacco — particularly for individuals with hypertension, diabetes, and other lifestyle diseases.

Road safety was likewise highlighted under the BiyaHealthy Pasko subsection of the campaign.

Travelers are advised to avoid drunk driving and check their vehicles using the BLOWBAGSET checklist: battery, lights, oil, water, brake, air, gas, self, engine, and tires.

“Parents must protect their children,” said Yannie Rose Tuazon, the CHO’s Health Education and Promotion Officer II. “We encourage everyone to celebrate, but always keep in mind the safety of the whole family.”