Herbosa 1 day before New Year’s Eve: ‘Iwas Paputok’ is a resounding success

Sec. Teodoro Herbosa, Department of Health speaks during a press conference for “iwas paputok” campaign at the East Avenue Medical Center, Quezon City on Saturday, December 30, 2023. | INQUIRER.net / Arnel Tacson

MANILA, Philippines — A day before New Year’s Eve, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa announced the ‘Iwas Paputok’ (avoid fireworks] campaign of Department of Health (DOH) can already be considered a success.

This assessment comes, amid the fact that the number of fireworks-related injuries (FWRI) recorded from December 21 to 30 this year and during the same time period last year are the same.

“We have to look at the bigger picture,” Herbosa said in a press conference at East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC) in Quezon city.

“I’ve been practicing medicine for more than 40 years, so during my time as a young resident, we never had these [low] numbers,” he recalled.

“[There used to be] 500 cases in Philippine General Hospital alone. We reached up to 800. Our bucket used to be full of [amputated] fingers,” he said.

“The ‘Iwas Paputok’ campaign is a success. It’s a resounding success,” he told reporters.

“There are very few injuries now. Dati, talagang bising-busy (really very busy)… So, ang perspective ko dyan, it’s a big success,” he repeated.

“That’s why we keep doing it every year,” he added.

Herbosa also mentioned more local government units have expressed support for the project.

“Every year, padami nang padami ang local chief executives na gusto, community fireworks na lang. So, we’re getting there,” he said.

(Every year, more and more local chief executives just want community fireworks.)

Dr. Aleli Annie Grace Sudiacal, Regional Director – Metro Manila Center for Health Development speaks to the members of media for “iwas paputok” campaign at the East Avenue Medical Center, Quezon City on Saturday, December 30, 2023. | INQUIRER.net / Arnel Tacson

For her part, DOH Regional Director for Metro Manila Center for Health Development Aleli Sudiacal said while the number of FWRI this year is almost the same as last year, healthcare facilities are still on standby for possible surge in emergency cases at midnight of December 31.

She said ‘Iwas Paputok’ campaign has been going on for years.

For 2023, the department is focusing on three main objectives namely – “Iwas Paputok, healthy handaan (party food) and healthy celebration.”