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| PBBM has asked local governments to create a common area for New Year's Eve fireworks displays to reduce firecracker-related injuries. Photo: OPS |
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. urges local government units (LGUs) in the Philippines to establish a common area for New Year's Eve fireworks displays to reduce firecracker-related injuries.
In a recent interview, Marcos urged LGUs to create a spectacular fireworks display for their constituents rather than allowing individuals to possess their own firecrackers.
Marcos also cautioned Filipinos about the dangers and adverse health effects of firecracker use, particularly those resulting from the reckless and careless use of dangerous firecrackers.
Data from the Department of Health (DOH) shows a decline in injuries caused by fireworks in recent years.
DOH Officer-in-Charge (OIC) and Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire stated that 122 cases were recorded in 2020, a decrease from the 128 cases reported the previous year.
In addition to the efforts of LGUs, the Philippine National Police have increased their efforts in cyber patrol, confiscating and destroying illegal firecrackers and pyrotechnics, and conducting general pyrotechnics cleanup to better protect the general populace.
DOH has also issued guidelines for using legal firecrackers, including setting a designated area for lighting firecrackers, keeping a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher nearby, and wearing protective gear such as eyewear and gloves. —iTacloban (with reports from OPS)