CEBU, Philippines - The decline in the number of firework-related injuries during the holidays is a testament of increased public awareness, the Department of Health-7 said.
As of January 2, DOH-7 noted 74 injured individuals as opposed to last year’s 99.
Health Emergency Management Staff chief Dr. Expedito Medalla said the 25 percent drop in the total number of injuries is a sign that people have learned their lesson.
“Nakaamgo na gyud ang mga tawo sa epekto sa pabuto,” Medalla said.
The regional health official added that the positive mark this year is a product of collective effort of the government.
“The campaign against indiscriminate and irresponsible use of firecrackers is not only the campaign of DOH but all agencies of government,” Medalla added.
On the other hand, he said he felt bad over the lone fatality in Negros Oriental where a one-year-old baby boy was hit and burnt by a random firecracker thrown while the baby and his father were riding a motorcycle.
“It’s very unfortunate that we had a reported death in Dumaguete City. The baby sustained fatal wounds. Hopefully, this does not happen again,” Medalla said. (FREEMAN)