DOH to kick off safe holidays drive

PALO, Leyte, Sept. 23  -- The Department of Health (DOH) regional office will start next month its campaign against use of firecrackers this coming holiday season in Eastern Visayas.

DOH senior health program officer Laura Pajares, during Friday's press briefing, said they have been asking local government officials to hold community fireworks display (CFD) for safe holiday celebrations in December.

The DOH will conduct public service announcements, press conferences, posting of info graphics and streamers on social media, and posters by October for massive information drive.

The activity is based on Executive Order No. 28, which provides for the regulation and control of the use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices.

The anti-firecrackers campaign dubbed “Oplan Iwas Paputok, Fireworks Display ang Patok! Makiisa sa fireworks display sa inyong lugar” is primarily aimed at avoiding fatal injuries due to firecrackers and stray bullets.

The program is in partnership with the Bureau of Fire and Protection, Philippine National Police, Department of Interior and Local Government, and Department Environment and Natural Resources.

Simultaneous regional launching advocacy campaign activities in communities and schools will be on December 13, 2017.

The health department expects everyone to participate in the drive for safe Christmas and New Year’s celebration.

From mid-December 2016 to first week of January 2017, the region recorded 98 firecracker-related injuries. (SQM/with reports from Reynadel F. Costillas OJT/PNA)