By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD CITY – The Department of Health (DOH)-Negros Island Region (NIR) Center for Health Development recorded 11 firework-related injuries involving minors from Dec. 21 to 26.
Eight patients suffered burn or blast injuries without amputation, while three sustained eye injuries.
Negros Occidental reported the highest number of cases with seven, followed by Bacolod City with two, and one each in Negros Oriental and Siquijor, according to data released Thursday afternoon.
The DOH-NIR identified sparklers, boga, five-star, kwitis, triangle, flying tiger, and one unknown firework as the causes of these injuries.
The public has been encouraged to welcome the New Year safely by using alternative noisemakers instead of firecrackers.
On Dec. 11, the Bacolod City Fire Station, in collaboration with the City of Bacolod, launched its 2024 Oplan Iwas Paputok campaign at the Pope John Paul II Tower in Barangay 12. The campaign aims to promote firecracker safety and prevent accidents during the holiday season.
A key feature of the event was the signing of a pledge of commitment. Firecracker vendors, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and the Philippine National Police (PNP) vowed to ensure a safe and accident-free holiday celebration for Bacolod residents.
