The Department of Health has launched a campaign dubbed as “OPLAN: IwasPaputok, Fireworks Display angPatok! Maki-isasa Fireworks Display saInyong Lugar” in compliance with Executive Order 28 issued by President Rodrigo Duterte that regulates and controls the use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices.
Yasuy Avila, DOH XI health education and promotion officer, said that the goal of this program is to lessen, or possibly reduce to zero, firecracker-related injuries during the Christmas and New Year’s Eve revelry.
Avila said this is to encourage the other local government units to stage community fireworks display on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve in compliance to EO 28 of the President.
“EO 28 is signed by President Duterte stipulates that these firecrackers shall confined to the community fireworks display to minimize the risk of injuries and casualties,” said Avila.
Avila said the conduct of community fireworks display will be of big help in reducing firecracker-related injuries since it will be handled by trained professionals and in accordance to national standards.
“Part of the standards is that the fireworks display area must be 100 square meters and with safety space between the firing area and spectators. The place should be well-lighted with ready fire extinguisher, public address system and a first aid station,” she said.
She said that spectators should also be properly briefed on the conduct of the fireworks display and encourages the use of safer noise-makers to prevent firecracker-related injuries.
She also reminded the public that those firecrackers and all types of pyrotechnics are prohibited in the city due to the ordinance banning firecrackers and pyrotechnics in all their forms through City Ordinance 060-02 approved by then Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.
Avila revealed a data obtained from DOH XI Fireworks/firecrackers cases and injuries from December 21, 2016 – January 5, 2017 total of 24 males cases with the youngest of 7 years old and oldest is 52 years old.
“We are 79% lower than last year 20015-2016 I hope this will be continuing,” she said.
An email statement sent by Avila, message for the public that for the children do not use any firecrackers and for the parents do not allow your children to use any firecrackers, safety of the children must start from you
“Firecrackers may cause injuries like burns, blast wounds, Amputation, eye injury which may causes blindness, poisoning, tetanus, ect. That may lead to disability or death and seek immediate medical treatment,” Avail said.
Avila added that be safe during the holidays and let us welcome the coming new year and prosperously and injury –free.
