BACOLOD City – In 2022, Negros Occidental revorfed the highest number of firecracker-related injuries in Western Visayas.
The surge in incidents led the Department of Health (DOH) to launch a campaign aimed at reducing firework-related injuries in the province.
Dr. Girlie Pinongan, head of the Provincial Health Office, said there were 72 cases reported at sentinel sites and an additional five at non-sentinel sites.
Notably, none of these incidents resulted in amputations.
Dr. Bea Camille Natalaray of DOH Region 6 said the majority of the firecracker injury victims were young people. However, there were also five cases involving intoxicated adult males.
Pinongan advised the public to consider safer alternatives for celebrations, such as community-organized fireworks displays, while strongly discouraging the use of personal firecrackers.
Furthermore, she appealed to parents to actively supervise their children’s activities, especially regarding firecrackers, to prevent an increase in injuries during the upcoming New Year celebrations. (Watchmen Daily Journal)/PN
