According to the Department of Health (DOH), data from Western Visayas (Region 6) revealed a seven percent decrease in fireworks-related injuries during the Christmas holidays. From December 21 to 27, a total of 28 cases were recorded in both sentinel and non-sentinel hospitals, compared to the previous year's 30 cases.
The leading cause of injurieswas the use of prohibited homemade cannons, locally known as "boga," accounting for nine out of the 28 cases. Other cases were attributed to "five-star" and various types of firecrackers. Specifically, from December 26 to 27 alone, 11 cases were reported.
The data was collected from four sentinel hospitals, including Bacolod City's Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital, Iloilo City's Western Visayas Medical Center and Iloilo Mission Hospital, and Western Visayas Sanitarium in Sta. Barbara, Iloilo. Reports also came from health facilities in other provinces in Western Visayas.
Dr. Fritzi Ann Suzette Jeroso-Dequito, head of DOH-6 Health Promotion Unit, emphasized the importance of public awareness regarding the dangers of fireworks through the agency's "Iwas Paputok" and "Ligtas Christmas Para sa Healthy Pilipinas 2023" campaign. She urged caution during the festivities and stressed the need to recognize potential dangers posed by fireworks as the new year approaches.
The majority of injuries in Western Visayas were blast, burn, and eye injuries, with the most affected age groups being 1 to 10 and 11 to 20. Dr. Jeroso-Dequito noted that elementary pupils are particularly susceptible to firecracker-related injuries. (PNA)
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