ILOILO City — Aiming to raise awareness about safe and healthy celebrations this holiday season, the Department of Health (DOH) in Western Visayas has launched the annual “Iwas Paputok” campaign.
The early campaign launch on November 8 follows an alarming trend in fireworks-related injuries in the region, according to DOH-6 director Dr. Adriano Suba-an.
Western Visayas last year recorded 294 cases of such injuries, including one fatality, from sentinel and non-sentinel sites – the Western Visayas Medical Center in Iloilo City, Iloilo Mission Hospital also in Iloilo City, Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital in Bacolod City, and the Western Visayas Sanitarium and General Hospital in Santa Barbara, Iloilo.
Rising Injuries
Senior Health Program Officer Shem Wilfred Eledia highlighted an upward trend over the past five years:
* 2019 – 115 cases (47 sentinel, 68 non-sentinel)
* 2020 – 42 cases (9 sentinel, 33 non-sentinel)
* 2021 – 130 cases (27 sentinel, 103 non-sentinel)
* 2022 – 212 cases (36 sentinel, 176 non-sentinel)
* 2023 – 294 cases (37 sentinel, 257 non-sentinel)
Eledia attributed the increase in recorded cases to both rising incidents and improved reporting efforts across the region.
The majority of injuries stemmed from blast and burn incidents, with no reported cases of stray bullets.
Notably, the top three firecracker types causing injuries were “kwitis,” “boga,” and “trianggulo.”
Last year’s cases were distributed across provinces as follows:
* Aklan – 33
* Antique – 19
* Capiz – 19 (including one death)
* Guimaras – 3
* Iloilo – 97
* Iloilo City – 11
* Negros Occidental – 103
* Bacolod City – 9
Safety Recommendations, Alternatives
DOH-6’s Health Education and Promotion Officer Ana Margarette Navarro urged the public to consider safer noise-making alternatives such as banging pots or using horns (torotot) instead of firecrackers.
“We advocate for alternatives that create sounds but pose no risk,” she said, underscoring the need for safer celebrations.
The department also advised against handling unexploded fireworks and encouraged familiarity with emergency hotlines and first-aid procedures.
Code White Alert and Emergency Preparedness
In preparation for the holiday season, all DOH hospitals, as well as provincial and district health facilities, are instructed to activate emergency medical services under a Code White Alert. Designated areas will be prepared for managing fireworks-related injuries, and cases will be systematically reported via the region’s injury surveillance system.
Government agencies and local government units (LGUs) are encouraged to support the Ligtas Christmas Campaign, ensuring that public safety guidelines are maintained.
“Let us stay vigilant, responsible, and supportive. Together, we can create a safe, resilient future for Filipinos,” said Dr. Suba-an.
The “Iwas Paputok” campaign kicked off with a caravan and press conference, in partnership with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and various local government units (LGUs).
The caravan route covered major streets in Iloilo City, including Muelle Loney, General Luna, and Iloilo South Coastal Road, culminating in a program at Punta Villa Resort in Arevalo district.
The campaign, part of the broader “Ligtas Christmas Campaign” which also includes initiatives such as “Healthy Handaan” and “BiyaHealthy,” promotes family safety under the theme “Pamilyang Patok pag-Kumpleto at Ligtas.”/PN
