Injuries, crashes decline nationwide during Christmas 2025

By Joseph Bernard A. Marzan

MANILA — The Department of Health (DOH) reported fewer injuries and road crashes during the Christmas monitoring period from Dec. 21 to 26 under its Ligtas Christmas campaign, based on consolidated nationwide surveillance data.

Fireworks-related injuries totaled 57 cases, a 49% decrease from the same period in 2024, with the National Capital Region recording the highest number at 25 cases.

Males aged 10 to 14 were the most affected, with leading causes linked to five-star, kwitis, boga, and triangulo fireworks.

DOH Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Eric Domingo encouraged local government units to organize community fireworks displays to allow the public to enjoy the festivities safely.

“The [DOH] is reminding that [teenagers and children] should not be holding fireworks, and for those who [consumed alcoholic drinks] not to light them up. Community fireworks are better, where everyone is watching, and professionals are the ones activating them. [Local officials] may be able to organize these,” Domingo told reporters Friday, Dec. 26.

Road crash incidents reached 263 cases, down 7% year on year, with Regions II (Cagayan Valley), V (Bicol), and IV-A (Calabarzon) posting the most cases.

Males aged 20 to 24 were the most affected, with motorcycles involved in 73% of incidents, 85% of victims not using safety accessories, and 12% reported to be intoxicated.

Domingo reminded motorists to use Department of Trade and Industry-approved helmets for two-wheeled vehicles, wear seat belts in four-wheeled vehicles, and ensure designated drivers refrain from consuming alcohol.

For the Ligtas Christmas campaign, the DOH also emphasized monitoring of noncommunicable diseases and mental health concerns during the holiday period.

Noncommunicable disease (NCD) emergencies totaled 127 cases, led by acute stroke at 81, acute coronary syndrome at 30, and bronchial asthma at 16.

Brain attack and heart attack cases were more common among males, while bronchial asthma cases were more prevalent among females.

Domingo said the DOH observed a rise in NCD cases during the holidays and reminded the public to moderate food intake.

“This means that we have to strengthen our monitoring, [and] we remind the public of our food, to slow down [on eating] sweet, fatty, salty, and oily [foods],” he said.

“We can taste [a little], and our plates should be half fresh fruits and vegetables — not including fruit salads — one-fourth carbohydrates [like] rice, pasta, [or] pancit, and only one-fourth of lechon, [other] meat, and other fatty and salty [food],” he added.

Mental health concerns prompted 451 calls to the National Center for Mental Health Hotline (NCMH) 1553, with calls peaking on Dec. 23.

Young adults aged 18 to 30 were the most frequent callers, with females comprising the majority. The top concerns cited were anxiety or depressive symptoms, love or relationship problems, and family issues.

The DOH official reiterated that the public may reach the NCMH hotline via landline at 1553 or through mobile numbers 0919-057-1553 and 0917-899-8727.