ZAMBOANGA CITY –– The Department of Health in Region 9 (DOH-9) has launched an advocacy pushing for community fireworks display to prevent firecracker-related injury during the Yuletide Season and New Year’s revelry.
Dr. Agnes Mabolo, DOH-9 non-communicable disease cluster chief, on Thursday said each barangay should have one fireworks display area to ensure that it is managed by knowledgeable people.
“As early as now, we are advocating for the public to watch fireworks display (in a common area) and to use other means to create noise instead of exploding firecrackers in welcoming the New Year,” Mabolo said.
She said the advocacy is in line with Executive Order No. 28 issued by President Rodrigo Duterte, which provides for the regulation and control of the use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices.
The advocacy is anchored on the slogan “Iwas Paputok, Fireworks Display ang Patok!
DOH-9 records show that there were seven cases of firecracker-related injuries in 2017 in the region. Last year’s injuries, however, were lower compared to the previous years–11 in 2016, and 12 in 2015.
Meanwhile, Mabolo said DOH-9 has also encouraged local government units in the region to adopt an ordinance banning the sale and use of firecrackers to eliminate firecracker-related injury during the Yuletide season.
Mabolo cited that Zamboanga City has recorded zero firecracker-related and stray bullet incidents since 2013. (PNA)
