The Department of Health’s (DOH) office in the Cordillera region renewed its call for safe holiday celebrations so everyone would be healthy and safe in welcoming the new year.

“Bawat buhay ay mahalaga kayat dapat pangalagaan at mag-celebrate ng Christmas na safe at kumpleto ang buong pamilya at ang buong katawan (We should consider safety when celebrating Christmas so that our families and our bodies would be complete because every life matters),” Jef Tamongdong, DOH-Cordillera health education and promotion officer, said in an online briefing Thursday.

Tamondong said part of the department’s advocacy for the season is for people to avoid lighting firecrackers and pyrotechnics and just watch public fireworks displays organized by local government units (LGUs).

“By just watching the public fireworks display, we are staying away from possible harm,” she said.

DOH data showed that 40 fireworks-related injuries and a stray bullet incident were recorded in the region from Dec. 21, 2023 to Jan. 6 this year, 78 percent higher than in the same period in the previous year.

Most of the injuries were due to the use of “kwitis” (skyrocket), “boga” (homemade bomb using PVC), whistlebomb, “labintador”, and “lusis.”

Tamondong also reiterated health authorities’ advice for people to use other noise-makers, such as trumpets, that achieve the same purpose but do not harm the users.

She also called on the public to eat healthy.

“The holidays can be celebrated with simple and healthy food but if it cannot be avoided eat in moderation and avoid the fatty parts as a health consideration,” she added.

Tamondong also advised motorists to ensure safe travel, with those using private vehicles to observe the BLOWBAGETS – check the car’s battery, light, oil, water, brakes, air, gas, engine, tires, and self. (PNA)