DOH to shift strategy in anti-firecrackers campaign

MANILA, Philippines—In the coming weeks, the Department of Health will shift its strategy in its yearly campaign to reduce fireworks-related injuries from the usual scare tactics to the promotion of pyrotechnics displays.

At a press conference in Pasig City on Thursday, Health Secretary Enrique Ona said the department will try something else other than scaring the public with gory photos of firecracker victims.

“What do you think? Is it still effective?” Ona asked reporters, adding that despite the scare campaign, the figure of casualties during the New Year celebrations has not significantly went down.

This year’s campaign will have a different approach, Ona said, explaining that with the help of local government units, the DOH can change the practices of lighting firecrackers every New Year’s Eve.

He took example of the successes of Makati City where street parties and countdown events were held to attract revelers and divert their attention from lighting up firecrackers.

In Quezon City, he said an ordinance assigning designated areas only for lighting up firecrackers was approved in 2002.

The ordinance was proven unsuccessful because of the city government’s poor enforcement, Ona said.

The anti-firecrackers campaign, according to Ona, will be launched in two weeks after a series of meetings with officials of the Department of Interior and Local Government, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and other concerned agencies.

“There is a suggestion to impose stringent measures on manufacturers of firecrackers. Instead of small firecrackers, why not release a common fund for good fireworks,” he said.

“But what is important here is the cooperation of the local governments,” he added.

The DOH also plans to improve its records of casualties wherein, instead of only 50 sentinels, it will take into account all hospitals across the country.