The Department of Health-Region 1 (Ilocos) has recorded 221 fireworks-related injuries from Dec. 21, 2024 to Jan. 6, 2025, 76.2 percent higher than the same period in 2023 with 126.
DOH-Region 1Director Paula Paz M. Sydiongco said Pangasinan has the highest number of FWRI cases with 119, followed by La Union with 38, Ilocos Sur, 35, and Ilocos Norte, 29.
“Boga (improvised cannon) is still the leading cause of injury among 10 to 14-years-old that is why I urged everyone to strictly enforce a ban on the sale, assembly, and use of boga to reduce the injuries next year.”
“We are encouraging local government units to enact ordinances to ban this improvised device on their respective communities to avoid future injuries, especially to minors who are the most common and affected users,” she added.
The Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit said 173 individuals suffered blast and burn injury without amputation, 43 sustained eye injuries, four had blast and burn injury with amputation, and one was a stray bullet victim.
Only one death was recorded, a 44-year-old male from Dagupan City.
Thirty-four FWRI cases were under the influence of liquor.
Sydiongco said that these injuries can be avoided through strict enforcement of ordinances on the use of fireworks and firecrackers especially among minors.
“The DOH, on its part, will continue to advocate for the total ban on the use of fireworks and firecrackers for the safety of everyone,” she said.