Safety Appeal: DOH-7 Urges Designated Areas for Firecracker Use Amid Rising Injuries

 CEBU CITY – On Thursday, the Department of Health Central Visayas (DOH-7) restated its appeal for barangays to designate a communal area for safe firecracker use, aiming to curb the rising trend in fireworks-related injuries.

This advisory followed an uptick in firecracker-related injuries, increasing from 14 on Wednesday to 19 on Thursday, as reported by the health agency. The newly recorded cases include three from Cebu City and one each from Negros Oriental and Bohol.

Among the provinces, Cebu has the highest number of cases at 8, followed by Cebu City (5), Bohol (4), and one each for Negros Oriental and Mandaue City.

A DOH-7 representative also called on local government units to support the information campaign against the use of “boga” – an improvised cannon made from PVC pipe, the use of which is prohibited.

Dr. Eugenia Mercedes Cañal, head of DOH-7’s Regional Epidemiological Surveillance Unit (RESU), emphasized that the health agency has consistently cautioned the public against using "boga" on New Year’s Eve due to the inherent danger it poses in causing blast or burn injuries.

She warned of the potential escalation in injuries among both children and adults if the use of the makeshift cannon persists.