Anti-Firecracker Campaign

MANILA, Philippines — Metro Manila has the highest number of firecracker-related injuries in 2015.

Out of 932 firecracker-related cases from December 21, 2015 to January 5, 2016, 523 of this are from Metro Manila.

Second is from western Visayas and third from Ilocos region.

And what is more alarming, is that, most victims are children aged 15 years below.

According to Health Secretary Paulyn Jean Rosell-Ubial, on January 5, 2017, the Department of Health will name which local government units (LGU) did not cooperate with the anti-firecracker campaign of the government.

This will be based on the reported number of firecracker-related injuries in each assigned area.

“We will issue the statistical report on which LGU will not cooperate in this campaign. The LGU with the most number of injuries,” Sec. Ubial said.

There is no executive order or E.O yet signed by President Rodrigo Duterte to ban or regulate the use of firecrackers throughout the country this year.

However, the President has already mentioned of his plan to issue an E.O. in April or May 2017, to restrict the use of firecrackers in the country.

Meanwhile, Sec. Ubial said the DOH is intensifying its anti-firecracker campaign to encourage the LGUs to have their own designated places for fireworks display.

DOH has already started its campaign in communities and schools and encourages the public to use alternative noisemakers.

“In other countries, people are not using firecrackers individually, they only have community fireworks display and they are regulated, and those who facilitate them are well-trained,” Sec. Ubial added.

For now, according to DOH, Marikina City has committed its plan to set up a community fireworks display. — Rosalie Coz | UNTV News & Rescue