• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Department of Health-Western Visayas and its partner-agencies, yesterday launched the annual “Oplan Iwas Paputok” campaign with the theme “Ligtas Christmas Healthy Pilipinas” in Negros Occidental.
In a press briefing held at SM City Bacolod, Dr. Bea Camille Natalaray, DOH-6 medical officer IV, said that the “Ligtas Christmas, Healthy Pilipinas” includes three components — “Healthy Handaan,” “Healthy Christmas”, and “Iwas Paputok.”
As they advocate for the reduction of fireworks-related injuries in marking the yuletide season next month, they also aim to guide the public on easy and doable ways to safely celebrate, she added.
DOH-6 records showed that among the provinces and highly-urbanized cities in Western Visayas, Negros Occidental has the highest number of fireworks-related injuries last year, with 77 cases, while 16 were recorded in Bacolod City.
The DOH’s promotion of “Iwas Paputok” campaign is in tandem with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), among other government agencies.
In the selling of legal firecrackers and pyrotechnics, there will be designated areas, which will be determined by local government units, according to the PNP and BFP.
PLt. Col. Joem Malong, deputy provincial police director for operations, said that the selling and manufacturing of firecrackers and pyrotechnics are regulated and permits must be secured from the PNP Firearms and Explosives Unit.
Aside from being safe, the DOH also underscored the importance of choosing healthier options during the festivities, which can be done through food moderation, consumption of well-balanced and nutrient-rich foods, avoidance of harmful intake of alcohol, and cessation of cigarette smoking and vaping.
To continue the gains of the country in preventing firework-related Injuries, the DOH reminded the public to use safer alternatives to firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices by participating in community fireworks displays and by using other noise and light producing devices such as sound systems, light emitting devices, percussion instruments, pans, tambourines, and bells.
Malong said that banned firecrackers include peculo, watusi, giant whistle bomb, giant bawang, large Judas Belt, boga, “Goodbye Earth,” “Goodbye Bading,” and “Hello Columbia.” | GB
