By Brian Campued
The Department of Health (DOH) reminded the public, especially children, to avoid lighting firecrackers despite recording nearly 50% lower number of firework-related injuries (FWRIs) since monitoring started on Dec. 21.
As of Dec. 26, a total of 57 cases of FWRIs had been recorded across 62 DOH-monitored sentinel hospitals nationwide. Of this number, 25 cases came from the National Capital Region, while males aged 10 to 14 years were the most affected age group.
The top causes of injuries were identified as 5-Star, Kwitis, Boga, and Triangulo.
According to DOH, two kids lost their fingers to firecrackers, while others sustained multiple injuries, including wounds and burns on their body.
“Hintuturo at hinlalaki ang nalagas mula sa isang 8 taong-gulang na bata nang masabugan ng whistle bomb; habang dalawang daliri rin ang naputol sa 16 taong-gulang na bata nang masabugan ng 5-star,” the DOH said in a Facebook post on Saturday.
DOH Spokesperson, Asec. Albert Domingo reminded the youth, as well as those under the influence of alcohol to avoid lighting firecrackers.
“Mas maganda po ang community fireworks kung saan sa bayan nilang tayong nanonood at mga professional po ang nagsisindi. Baka naman sila kapitan, sila mayor o si gobernador o ang ating mga community leaders ay pwede mag-organize nito,” Domingo said.
Holiday road crashes
Meanwhile, 263 road crash cases were recorded in 10 sentinel hospitals from Dec. 21–26, about 7% lower compared to the same period in 2024.
Most road crash incidents involved 20 to 24-year-old males, while most cases were for motorcycles (73%)—with two confirmed deaths.
Some 85% of the cases recorded had no safety accessories, such as helmets or seatbelts at the time of the incident; while 12% of the cases were linked to alcohol use.
NCD cases, mental health hotline calls
About 127 total cases of non-communicable diseases were likewise recorded—consisting of 81 acute strokes, 30 acute coronary syndromes, and 16 bronchial asthmas—according to latest surveillance data by the DOH.
“Kailangan pa po nating paigtingin ang ating pagbabantay. ‘Yung paalala po natin sa ating pagkain—umiwas po tayo muna, hinay-hinay lang tayo doon sa mga maaalat, matamis, mataba at mamantika,” Domingo said.
He urged the public to follow the “Pinggang Pinoy” for right food group proportions—one-half for fresh fruits and vegetables, one-fourth for sweets and carbohydrates, and the remaining one-fourth for salty, fatty, and oily food.
A total of 451 calls to the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) were also recorded, with a peak of the calls surging on Dec. 23. The DOH said most of the calls were from 18 to 30-year-old young adults and from females.
The calls were mostly caused by anxiety or depressive symptoms, love or relationship problems, or family problems.
Those who may be struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts are encouraged to reach out to the NCMH help line 1553 via landline or at 0917-899-8727 and 0919-057-1553 via mobile for immediate psychological first aid and free mental health consultation.
-jpv
