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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Practice safe celebration: Go tells Pinoys not to use firecrackers

Practice safe celebration: Go tells Pinoys not to use firecrackers

Published Dec 21, 2023 11:16 am

At A Glance

  • Senator Christopher "Bong" Go has underscored the importance of shunning the use of firecrackers in the upcoming New Year revelry.

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go has underscored the importance of shunning the use of firecrackers in the upcoming New Year revelry.

In a Senate hearing on Monday, Dec. 18, Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, focused on the perennial issue of firecracker safety and concerns on public health and safety during the holiday season.

“Tulong n’yo na lang po ‘yun. Maaaring makapag-celebrate naman po kayo ng Christmas and New Year na iwasan po yung paputok at iwasan pong masaktan kayo o masugatan po (It would be a great help. We can celebrate Christmas and New Year without firecrackers that will prevent injuries),” added Go.

DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa acknowledged the effectiveness of the 'no firecrackers' policy initiated by the previous Duterte administration. He highlighted its success in Davao City and its subsequent replication across various local governments.

However, Herbosa also noted other public safety concerns during the holiday season such as the increase in motorcycle accidents due to alcohol consumption that comes with the festivities.

Go responded by emphasizing the importance of responsible behavior during celebrations.

Meanwhile, Dr. Alethea de Guzman, Director IV of the Epidemiology Bureau of the DOH, spoke on the broader 'Ligtas Christmas' campaign. She pointed out the decline in injuries and tetanus cases as a result of the success of the 'Iwas Paputok' campaign.

She also discussed the crucial roles that hospitals and local government units (LGUs) play in this initiative. De Guzman highlighted the heightened preparedness in government hospitals from Dec. 21 to Jan. 6 and the necessity for LGUs to designate safe areas for firework displays.

The ongoing surveillance and reporting of fireworks-related data by the DOH were also emphasized as key factors in the campaign's effectiveness.

Herbosa clarified that former president Duterte’s executive order on firecrackers remains in effect, with a focus on banning illegal firecrackers and encouraging public displays in designated areas.

Go and the health officials then stressed the need for continued vigilance and responsible celebration practices. Go reiterated the importance of the collective effort in ensuring a safe holiday season.

Related Tags

Senator Christopher Bong Go Department of Health (DOH) Senate Committee on Health and Demography firecracker ban
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