DOH pushes community fireworks display to curb injuries

PALO, Leyte, Dec. 15 (PNA) -- The Department of Health (DOH) strongly advocates for community fireworks display as part of its drive to prevent firecracker-related injuries during holiday revelries.

The campaign dubbed as “Oplan: Iwas Paputok, Fireworks Display ang Patok: Makiisa sa Fireworks Display sa Inyong Lugar”, urges local government units and other groups to organize fireworks display to celebrate Christmas and New Year.

Communities are encouraged to hold the event between Dec. 16, 2016 until Jan. 5, 2017.

Paula Paz M. Sydiongco, DOH Eastern Visayas assistant regional director, said that aside from adding holiday cheers, fireworks display also aims to inform the public on the danger of using and storing firecrackers.

The Health department, however, reminded the city and town mayors to follow the required guidelines provided by the central government on the conduct of fireworks display.

Among the guidelines is the prohibition of doing the display within the distance of 100 feet from houses and onlookers.

Sydiongco reiterated that community fireworks display is a lot safer than household firecracker use, which usually causes injuries and poses health risk especially among children.

The community fireworks display, according to Sydiongco is actually a proposed Executive Order and is still under study to see its impact to the firecracker business. The proposed order is expected to be approved next year. (PNA) LAP/SQM/Diane Mae B. Derio (OJT)