DAGUPAN CITY (PIA) – The Department of Health (DOH) Ilocos today reported a total of 60 fireworks-related injuries (FWRIs) from December 1, 2022 to January 1, 2023.
 
“The figure is 81.82% higher than the number of cases during the same period last year with 33 recorded cases,” the DOH noted.
 
Among the provinces in the region, Pangasinan tops the list of FWRIs with 45 cases, La Union has nine, Ilocos Sur with five, and Ilocos Norte with one case.
 
According to the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU) and Heath Emergency Management Service (HEMS) FWRI Report, the types of injuries were caused by blast/burn (without amputation – 45.75%, with amputation – 2.3%), eye injury (12.20%), and one stray bullet (1.2%).
 
There were 49 males and 11 females involved while the most affected age group ranges from three to 75 years old. 
 
A total of 33 cases were actively involved while 27 cases were passive.
 
“Boga” and skyrocket (kwitis), on the other hand, were the most common type of fireworks that caused the injury.
 
DOH Ilocos regional director Paula Paz Sydiongco stated that all health emergency personnel and public health facilities have provided emergency treatment to all injured individuals during the yuletide holidays.
 
“Nagpapasalamat po ako sa lahat ng mga local government units natin kasama na ang ating mga kapulisan sa kanilang maigting na pagbabantay noong bagong taon. Bagama’t tumaas po ang kaso natin ng FWRI, ay magpapatuloy pa rin po ang pagsasagawa ng public awareness campaigns sa mga ipinagbabawal na paputok,” Sydiongco said.
 
Sydiongco also proposed stricter regulation on the sale of kwitis and the manufacture of bogas. 
 
“As these two accounts for most of the injuries in the region, law enforcement should be directed towards preventing importing, distributing, and using these fireworks,” she added.
 
Meanwhile, the DOH Ilocos has awarded cash prizes to winners of the search for the “Pinaka-Bonggang Merry Making Alternative Sa Paputok” which was launched on December 19, 2022 in Lingayen, Pangasinan.
 
The most creative entry was awarded to the Pangasinan Public Employment Service Office 2 with P10,000 cash prize followed by Shallom Gideon Balolong who comes in second with P8,000 and third place winner, Provincial Health Office Planning and Training Unit with P6,000.
 
A total of 10 entries were submitted and non-winners were also given P2,000 consolation prizes. (JCR/AMB/PIA Pangasinan)