SAN FERNANDO City, La Union (PIA) – To streamline the reporting of national data on fireworks-related injuries (FWRI), the Department of Health (DOH) in Ilocos Region has instructed all health facilities, including public and private hospitals, to report firework-related injuries to the Online National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (ONEISS).
The ONEISS is an online repository designed to consolidate injury-related data from across the country, aiming to enhance the quality and accessibility of this critical information. The repository can be accessed through the link: https://oneiss.doh.gov.ph/login.php.
DOH Ilocos Regional Director Paula Paz M. Sydiongco emphasized the importance of timely and accurate data submission for effective surveillance.
“Immediate reporting ensures consistency and transparency, which is crucial for stakeholders to make informed decisions,” Director Sydiongco stated.
She further encouraged all hospitals and health centers, including private institutions, to actively participate in the DOH’s “Ligtas Christmas” program by promptly reporting yuletide injuries, including road traffic injuries (RTIs).
“This will allow us to analyze the severity of motorcyclist injuries across weekdays, weekends, and holidays,” Sydiongco added.
This initiative is part of the DOH’s “Ligtas Christmas sa Bagong Pilipinas” campaign, which includes three flagship advocacies:
- Tamang pagkain, ehersisyo, disiplina (Proper nutrition, exercise, discipline)
- Biyahealthy (safe and healthy travel)
- Iwas Paputok (avoidance of firecrackers)
Angela Joyce Dacaymat from Rosario, La Union shared how her family is preparing for a safe and healthy holiday season, emphasizing the importance of mindful practices during the festivities.
“This Christmas and New Year, we’re prioritizing a balanced diet for gut health, avoiding drunk driving, and avoiding firecrackers altogether. Thanks to the health department’s guidance, we’re reminded of these important considerations,” she added.
Meanwhile, the Ilocos Region has four designated FWRI sentinel sites, strategically located to enhance regional healthcare monitoring and services:
- Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center (ITRMC) in San Fernando City, La Union
- Region 1 Medical Center (R1MC) in Dagupan City
- Lingayen District Hospital (LDH) in Pangasinan
- Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center (MMHMC) in Batac, Ilocos Norte
Director Sydiongco also urged parents to prioritize their children’s safety during the festivities.
“It is our responsibility to ensure their protection from harm, regardless of their background or circumstance,” she stated.
Director Sydiongco asked the public to safeguard the children in the communities to ensure a safe yuletide season.
The surveillance period for FWRI runs from 6:00 AM on December 21, 2024, to 5:59 AM on January 6, 2025.
For reporting of firecracker related injuries, DOH-CHD 1’s contact information are 0995-865-3945 (Globe) and 0908-873-8541 (Smart). (CCMT/REB, PIA Region 1)
