SAN FERNANDO CITY (PIA) – The Department of Health – Center for Health Development 1 (DOH CHD-1) encourages the public to use alternative merry-making instruments or noisemaker tools to welcome the new year, instead of using firecrackers.
Dr. Joy Suguitan, Medical Officer III of DOH CHD-1, warned the public that the use of firecrackers can cause serious injuries, trauma, and even death.
Suguitan noted that the shift to alternative noise-maker tools is a good way to celebrate the new year safely and merrily.
“Kung gusto natin na mag-ingay sa pagsalubong ng bagong taon, pwede tayo gumamit ng mga lumang kaldero, torotot, pito, o busina ng mga sasakyan,” Suguitan said.
She added, “Hindi naman kaya ay ang pagpapatugtog ng mga musical instruments o pa-contest sa komunidad tampok ang pagkanta at pagsayaw.”
Public may also join firecracker displays organized by local government units in communities.
“Kung talaga mahilig sa firecrackers ay mas mabuti nang manood na lamang sa mga displays na ginagawa ng ating mga LGUs kung saan mga trained personnel ang nago-operate ng mga paputok,” Suguitan said.
Meanwhile, reported cases of firework-related injuries (FWRI) in the Ilocos Region from Dec. 21, 2020 to Jan. 6, 2023 are on an increasing trend.
From 56 cases reported during the holiday season in 2020-2021, said related injuries climbed to 100 cases with one mortality in 2022-2023.
On the other hand, as of this year’s Christmas, 11 FWRI were initially logged in the region of which seven are from Pangasinan, three from La Union, and one from Ilocos Sur. (JCR/MJTAB/CGCC, PIA Region 1)
