The Department of Health Western Visayas Center for Health Development (DOH WC CHD) launched Friday its “Iwas Paputok” (avoid explosives program as it prepares for a safer and healthier celebration of the holidays.

DOH data showed that firecracker-related incidents in the region have been increasing since 2020.

The region recorded 42 cases in 2020; 130 in 2021; 212 in 2022; and 294 with one death in 2023.

“We are starting the campaign as early as now so that we can make noise and remind our community about the healthy initiatives that we can do approaching our holidays,” Ana Margarette Navarro, Health Education and Promotion Officer III of DOH WV CHD, said during a media conference.

“As early as now, we are collaborating with different agencies to enforce the safety of our community with regard to firecrackers.”

Senior Health Program Officer Shem Wilfred Eledia said that with the expansion of their reporting units, they were able to record more cases.

“Last year, most of our cases were blast burn injuries. We have reported one ER (emergency room) death due to firecracker injury,” Eledia said.

The top three causes of injuries were kwitis (mini rocket), boga (improvised cannon) and triangle.

The health department is consistent with its campaign to use alternative or traditional sources to create noise, like the torotot (toy horn).

DOH also asked the public to shift to healthier options when celebrating the holidays.

“Unhealthy food is very common in our Filipino households. That’s why we are campaigning for Healthy Handaan (feast),” Neil Salvacion, Health Program Officer II, said.

He said practicing healthy handaan will have a ripple effect.

“It can prevent a lot of diseases,” he said.

DOH Western Visayas Regional Director Adriano Suba-an said that in preparation for the holiday season, all hospitals and other health facilities are instructed to ensure the availability of emergency medical services upon the declaration of Code White Alert.

“These facilities will designate specific areas for the management of firework-related injuries and will report all cases of such injuries through the Fireworks-Related Injuries Surveillance System,” he said in a statement. (PNA)