The Department of Health (DOH) – Ilocos Region today reported a total of 60 fireworks-related injury cases (FWRI) from December 1, 2022 to January 1, 2023.
The figure is 81.82% higher than the number of cases during the same period last year with 33 recorded cases.
Pangasinan tops the list of FWRIs with 45 cases, La Union has 9, Ilocos Sur with 5 and Ilocos Norte with 1 case.
According to the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU) and Heath Emergency Management Service (HEMS) FWRI Report, the types of injuries were caused by blast/burn (without amputation – 45.75%, with amputation – 2.3%), eye injury (12.20%) and one stray bullet (1.2%).
There were 49 males and 11 females involved. Age ranged from 3 to 75 old. A total of 33 cases were actively involved while 27 cases were passive.
Boga and skyrocket (kwitis) are the two major causes of injuries.
Regional Director Paula Paz M. Sydiongco stated that all health emergency personnel and public health facilities have provided emergency treatment to all injured individuals during the yuletide holidays.
“Nagpapasalamat po ako sa lahat ng mga local government units natin kasama na ang ating mga kapulisan sa kanilang maigting na pagbabantay noong bagong taon. Bagama’t tumaas po ang kaso natin ng FWRI, ay magpapatuloy pa rin po ang pagsasagawa ng public awareness campaigns sa mga ipinagbabawal na paputok.”
Sydiongco also proposed a stricter regulation on the sale of pepato kwitis and the manufacture of bogas. “As these two accounts for most of the injuries in the region., law enforcement should be directed towards preventing importing, distributing and using these fireworks.”
Meanwhile, the regional office has awarded cash prizes to winners of the search for the “Pinaka-Bonggang Merry-Making Alternative Sa Paputok” which was launched on December 19, 2022 in Lingayen, Pangasinan.
The most creative entry was awarded to the Pangasinan Public Employment Service Office 2 with ₱10,000 cash prize followed by Shallom Gideom Balolong who comes in second with ₱8,000 and third place winner, PHO Planning and Training Unit with ₱6,000.
A total of ten entries were submitted and non-winners were also given ₱2,000 consolation prizes.
