ILOILO – Following 16 fireworks-related injuries in this province from December 21 to December 29, the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) is calling on barangay officials from 1,721 barangays to actively participate in the “Iwas Paputok” campaign.
Dr. Rodney Labis, chief of the IPHO – Health Service Delivery Division, said barangay officials should promote safe New Year celebrations by discouraging the use of firecrackers, which pose significant risks to life and safety.
“We are appealing to our barangay officials to help us in the Iwas Paputok campaign, especially in reminding the youth in our communities about the dangers of using firecrackers,” Labis said.
IPHO data showed that most victims of firecracker-related injuries fall within the age group of five to 20 years old. This prompted it to intensify the campaign among children and young adults.
The Department of Health’s (DOH) nationwide Iwas Paputok campaign advocates for a firecracker-free New Year celebration to ensure everyone starts the year with their health and safety intact.
While acknowledging that using firecrackers has become a tradition for many to welcome the New Year, Labis underscored the risks involved, particularly for children. He urged the public to consider safer alternatives to firecrackers, such as blowing vehicle horns, using sound systems, banging pots and pans, or making noise with drums and torotot.
Organized community fireworks displays are also a safer option, he added.
“To all parents, let us closely monitor our children and prevent them from using firecrackers and improvised devices like ‘boga’ to avoid accidents that could result in severe injuries such as amputations, blindness, hearing loss, burns, or even death,” Labis warned.
The IPHO report revealed that the majority of injuries involved eye injuries and blast-related wounds, with “boga” (an improvised cannon) identified as the leading cause.
The DOH’s Iwas Paputok campaign promotes community participation in organized fireworks displays and encourages the use of safe alternatives like torotot, lightsticks, and other non-hazardous noise-making devices.
Dr. Adriano Suba-an, DOH Region 6 director, urged communities to prioritize safety during New Year celebrations and to be prepared for emergencies by keeping emergency hotlines handy and providing first aid when necessary.
“We advise the public to opt for safer alternatives to fireworks. Let us join hands to ensure that the New Year is celebrated joyfully but safely,” Suba-an said./PN
