By Glen Ramos
THE Department of Health (DOH) – Ilocos Region has recorded 20 fireworks-related injuries (FWRI) from December 21 to 26, 2025, highlighting the growing risk posed by firecracker use even before the New Year celebration.
According to the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Data, forty percent (40%) of the injuries were caused by unlabeled and imported firecrackers and five percent (5%) were caused by Five Star. There were 12 cases recorded in Pangasinan, 4 in Ilocos Sur (2) and 4 in La Union. One of the victims suffered amputation and another had eye injury.
“These early cases recorded clearly show that firecracker injuries do not happen only on New Year’s Eve,” even days before the New Year, lives and limbs are already being put at risk,” Regional Director Paula Paz M. SYdiongco stated.
She emphasized that most FWRI cases commonly involve children and young individuals 10-16 years old, resulting in burns, hand and finger injuries, eye trauma, and blast-related wounds—some leading to permanent disability and long-term physical and emotional consequences.
DOH has issued a nationwide advisory known as the “Ligtas Christmas” Program, which aims to ensure a safe, healthy, and injury-free holiday season by promoting injury prevention, emergency preparedness, and responsible celebration.
“Under this program, we continue to remind the public that fireworks-related injuries are 100 percent preventable”. No celebration is worth a lifetime of disability or regret,” Sydiongco stressed.
The DOH Ilocos Region reiterated its strong support for Executive Order No. 28, which regulates the manufacture, sale, and use of firecrackers and encourages LGU-organized fireworks displays conducted by trained professionals as safer alternatives to household firecracker use.
SYdiongco strongly urges the public to:
• Refrain from buying, using, or igniting firecrackers, especially unlabeled and prohibited types
• Keep children away from fireworks and pyrotechnic devices at all times
• Support LGU-led fireworks displays or opt for noise-free celebrations
• Report the illegal sale and use of prohibited firecrackers to authorities
• Observe overall holiday safety measures under the Ligtas Christmas Program
As the year draws to a close, the DOH Ilocos Region calls on everyone to make safety a shared responsibility.
“Let us welcome the New Year with complete families, healthy bodies, and safe communities. A truly happy New Year begins with prevention,” she reminded.
“Bawal ang paputok. Suportahan ang Ligtas Christmas. Sama-samang salubungin ang Bagong Taon nang ligtas at malusog.”
