It has been part of the Filipino tradition to use firecrackers and ear-piercing fireworks in welcoming the new year to ward off bad luck and bring in more blessings.
However, these firecrackers and fireworks have also been a major cause of fireworks-related injury and fire incidents in the past years.
The Department of Health (DOH) has recorded 262 cases of firework-related injuries (FWRI) from December 21, 2022 to January 3, 2023, which is 42 percent higher compared to 2021 with 165 cases.
Of the total, 92 sustained hand injuries, 75 had eye injuries, while 16 cases had blast or burn injuries which resulted in amputation.
Fifty-six percent occurred in the streets, while 41 percent happened at home.
The National Capital Region logged the highest number of cases at 126, followed by 31 from Western Visayas, 23 from Ilocos Region, and 22 from Central Luzon.
Central Visayas recorded three cases.
The top fireworks involved were skyrockets or kwitis, boga, 5-star, whistle bomb, and Super Lolo.
Boga, 5-star, and Super Lolo are considered as illegal firecrackers.
For fire incidents caused by firecrackers, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) recorded 12 cases nationwide.
From December 24, 2022 to January 1, 2023, the estimated damage caused by firecracker-related incidents in the country was pegged at P1,287,000.
Skyrockets or kwitis were the leading causes of fire, followed by trianggulo and fountain firecrackers.
Fireworks-related incidents
Reporting of fireworks-related incidents (FWRI) will start on December 21, 2023 at 6:00 a.m. and end on January 6, 2024 at 5:59 a.m., according to Dr. Eugenia Mercedes Cañal of DOH7 Regional Epidemiologist Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit.
“This 16 day FWRI surveillance will be done regionwide,” said Cañal during the recent Association of Government Information Officers 7 assembly.
She also shared tips for a healthy and stress-free holiday season.
“In this season of festivity, make sure to eat and drink in moderation to prevent health problems and accidents. Also if possible, avoid salty and fatty food,” she said.
Cañal also reminded the public to only buy firecrackers from legitimate and registered establishments to ensure their safety.
“It is still best to just watch fireworks display in designated areas for everyone’s safety,” she added.
Hazard and fire prevention
Kwitis and trianggulo are listed as firecrackers regulated for sale and use under RA 7183 or an Act Regulating the Sale, Manufacture, Distribution and Use of Firecrackers and other Pyrotechnic Devices and EO 28, otherwise known as Providing for the Regulation and Control of the Use of Firecrackers and other Pyrotechnics.
Fountain firecrackers are included in the list of pyrotechnic devices that are allowed to be sold and used.
Under EO 28, the Philippine National Police (PNP) was authorized to determine what constitutes prohibited firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices and to regulate and control their use.
Local executives are also tasked to promulgate the proper use of fireworks within their jurisdiction.
Below are the DTI-certified brands of fireworks, corresponding manufacturers, and PS license numbers as of December 11, 2023:
Source: https://bps.dti.gov.ph/product-certification/certified-products
PNP, DOH, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and BFP will also set guidelines on designated areas where community fireworks display may be conducted.
PNP will also conduct inspections, and the confiscation and destruction of prohibited firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices.
Other partner agencies like the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) have also released a list of certified fireworks and firecrackers to guide consumers.
The DTI is urging the public to only buy locally-manufactured fireworks and firecrackers that bear the Philippine Standard (PS) mark for guaranteed safety and quality.
The following information should be clearly printed on a single-colored background on the package of each firework for the guidance of consumers:
1. Name of Firework
2. Classification and Intended Use
3. Brand or Trade Name
4. Name and address of manufacturer
5. The words “Made in the Philippines”
6. Warnings and Precautionary Signs
7. Appropriate Instructions for Use
8. Effects
9. Philippine Standard (PS) Quality Mark with License Number
For fire safety especially on the use of Christmas lights, the public is advised to buy only those with PS Quality and/or Safety Mark and Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) Sticker.
The PS and/or ICC Sticker serve as the consumers’ guide and assurance that what they purchase are certified quality and safety products conforming to the relevant Philippine National Standards.
Image from Department of Health FB page
Gifts for children
DOH has also given pointers on what gifts to buy for children.
For newborns to one-year old, DOH suggests rattles, large brightly-colored balls, and washable stuffed animals.
Toddlers aged 2-3 can be given wooden animals, dolls, sturdy kiddy cars, modeling clays and rocking horses while Preschoolers under 5 years old can be gifted with puppets, building blocks, balls, kites, and push toys.
Below are the Do’s and Don’ts for shopping toys:
Do’s:
- Check labels on the packaging and observe precautions appearing on the label.
- Ensure that the child will play with a toy suited for his/her age under adult supervision.
- Dispose plastic package accordingly. Keep it out of reach of children.
Don’ts:
For children under age 3, do not buy the following:
- Balls with a diameter of 1.75 inches or less so as to prevent choking.
- Toys that easily break into small parts or pieces (glass or brittle plastics).
- Toys containing small detachable parts or pieces, which could become lodged in the throat.
- Toys with sharp points and edges.
Energy saving tips
Meanwhile, the Department of Energy (DOE) is also advocating for energy conservation during the holidays as most people light up their houses with Christmas lights.
“Gi-encourage nako ang mga consumer to check for faulty wiring especially katong old wires and avoid octopus wiring kay number one jud na siya nga maka-cause ug sunog,” said DOE Visayas Senior Science Research Specialist Engr. Chammer Jake I. Plaza in an interview with Philippine Information Agency.
(I encourage the consumers to check for faulty wirings, especially old wires, and avoid octopus wiring because it’s the number one cause of fires).
He also shared some energy-saving tips to lower the energy cost:
- Use battery-operated candles instead of Christmas lights.
- Use LED lights.
- Limit the run time of your Christmas lights.
- Use the tree light as the light source of the room so you could use lighting fixtures less.
- Be energy-smart when cooking and baking. Use energy-saving appliances.
- Optimize shopping trips. If possible, walk around when Christmas shopping or try carpooling.
- Unplug your appliances especially when not in use.
“When using your decorative lights, please don’t overload your power outlets. Always check the box labels for the ICC sticker, and make sure to use appropriate lights for indoor and outdoor display,” said Plaza.
DTI has also been monitoring the stores selling Christmas lights with no PS or ICC stickers.
Sellers caught with no PS or ICC stickers will face a penalty that could go as high as P25,000 pesos or more depending on the wares. (MYP/PIA7 Cebu)
