BACOLOD City – The City Health Office (CHO) here urged residents to avoid using firecrackers if possible in welcoming the New Year.
“Let us avoid using firecrackers. Instead, use torotot or kaldero for safest celebration,” the CHO said.
As of December 28, the CHO has recorded three fireworks-related injuries. The victims, including two minors, were all males.
The CHO said they were brought to a hospital and went home after medical treatment.
For its part, the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) is confiscating fireworks and firecrackers sold outside designated areas, including boga.
Captain Ma. Liberty Indiape, public information officer of the BCPO, also reminded everyone to celebrate the New Year peacefully and injury-free.
“Indi magpalupok sang mga illegal firecrackers kag pwede mag-observe na lang sang alternatives nga mga pagahod sa aton pagsugata sa 2025,” she further emphasized.
In a social media post, the Department of Health (DOH) Region 6 said the DOH Iwas Paputok campaign advocates for safer alternatives to fireworks and underscores the importance of preparedness in case of emergencies.
The said campaign also encourages communities to participate in organized fireworks displays and use safe substitutes such as torotot, drums, light sticks, and other sound and light-emitting devices instead of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices.
“The public is also encouraged to be ready to provide immediate help by recalling hotlines and offering appropriate first aid in case of injuries or accidents,” the DOH-6 added./PN
