BACOLOD CITY – The Department of Health (DOH)-Negros Island Region (NIR) reported 11 fireworks-related injuries involving minors from Dec. 21 to 26.
Eight sustained burns or blast injuries and three suffered eye injuries.
Negros Occidental recorded seven, followed by Bacolod City with two, and one each in Negros Oriental and Siquijor.
They were injured by various fireworks, including sparklers, boga, Five Star, kwitis, triangle, flying tiger, and one incident with an unknown cause.
The DOH-NIR urged the public to celebrate the New Year safely by opting for alternative noisemakers instead of firecrackers.
Meanwhile, this city launched its 2024 Oplan Iwas Paputok campaign early this month to promote fireworks safety and prevent accidents.
The event featured a pledge of commitment from firecracker vendors, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to work together for a safe holiday season.
This year's campaign with the theme “Paskong Ligtas, Bagong Taong Maaliwalas” aims to protect the community and reduce firecracker-related injuries during the holiday season.