Discourages use of firecrackers

SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, focused on the perennial issue of firecracker safety and concerns on public health and safety during the holiday season.

In a Senate hearing,Go inquired about the preparedness of the Department of Health (DOH) during the holiday season, particularly in the context of mitigating the apparent rise in cases of COVID-19, influenza, flu and other respiratory illnesses as well as other public safety concerns such as firecracker-related incidents.

Go highlighted the importance of prevention to avoid regret that often comes too late due to firecracker-related injuries. He also underscored the potential for government savings if firecracker injuries, which often result in hospital visits, can be reduced.

“Parati pong nasa huli ang pagsisisi na nawala na yung daliri ninyo. Sana po ay malaking tulong po ‘yun. ‘Yung pondo po ng gobyerno na masi-save po, na hindi magagamit sa hospital sa naputol na kamay,” Go stated.

“Tulong n’yo na lang po ‘yun. Maaaring makapag-celebrate naman po kayo ng Christmas and New Year na iwasan po yung paputok at iwasan pong masaktan kayo o masugatan po,” added Go.

DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa acknowledged the effectiveness of the ‘no firecrackers’ policy initiated by former President Rodrigo Duterte. He highlighted its success in Davao City and its replication across various local governments.

However, Herbosa also noted other public safety concerns during the holiday season such as the increase in motorcycle accidents due to alcohol consumption that comes with the festivities.

Herbosa advised, “Ang kapalit lang po, ‘pag hindi nagpapuputok, umiinom sila at pagkatapos nagmomotorsiklo. So, nagkakaroon sila ng motorcycle crash. So, nauuwi din sila sa ospital. So, moderation din ang advice.”

Go responded by emphasizing the importance of responsible behavior during celebrations. “’Yan ang iwasan ninyo. Mga kababayan ko, makinig kayo. Please lang po, huwag na huwag kayong magmaneho pag nakainom po. Delikado po ‘yan,” he urged.

“Drive safely at tandaan po natin na kung mahal n’yo po ang inyong pamilya, mahal n’yo po ang inyong mga anak na umaasa po sa inyo. Masarap po mabuhay. Ingat lang po tayo,” added Go.

Meanwhile, Dr. Alethea de Guzman, Director IV of the Epidemiology Bureau of the DOH, focused on the broader ‘Ligtas Christmas’ campaign, which aims for comprehensive safety during the holidays. She pointed out the decline in injuries and tetanus cases as a result of the success of the ‘Iwas Paputok’ campaign.

She also discussed the crucial roles that hospitals and local government units (LGUs) play in this initiative. De Guzman highlighted the heightened preparedness in government hospitals from December 21 to January 6 and the necessity for LGUs to designate safe areas for firework displays.

The ongoing surveillance and reporting of fireworks-related data by the DOH were also emphasized as key factors in the campaign’s effectiveness.