DOH launches ‘Iwas Paputok’ campaign in Pangasinan

DOH Region 1 Director Paul Paz Sydiongco (center), Pangasinan Gov. Ramon Guico III (2nd from right), and Vice Gov. Mark Ronald Lambino lead other officials and children in the launch of Iwas Paputok 2022 campaign on Monday, December 19, 2022, at the Provincial Capitol Complex in Lingayen, Pangasinan. ( Photo by Ray B. Zambrano)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday appealed to the public to stop using illegal or dangerous firecrackers, as the agency recommended instead the use of traditional noisemakers like “kaldero” (pots),” “torotot” (trumpets), and cymbals during the Christmas and New Year revelry.

Paula Paz Sydiongco, regional director of DOH in the Ilocos region, said that aside from saving lives or limbs, turning to traditional noisemakers would also prevent healthcare workers from getting exhausted if no injured patients would be taken to hospitals.

“We hope that our healthcare workers won’t get tired this time. We also hope no one in our families would get hurt,” Sydiongco said at a press conference during the launch of the “Iwas Paputok” campaign of the DOH at the Provincial Capitol Complex in this town.

READ: DOH again appeals for less dangerous New Year celebration

She said there were 67 fireworks-related casualties in the region from December 21, 2021 to January 6, 2022.

It was higher than the 56 casualties recorded during the same period in 2020-2021.

“The victims were between the ages of 3 and 81, so anyone could be a victim of firecracker injuries,” Sydiongco said, adding that there were no reported deaths due to fireworks.

READ: DOH: 2021 fireworks-related injuries up 32%

Pangasinan Gov. Ramon Guico III encouraged local government executives and other institutions to hold fireworks displays in their areas, and asked police authorities to ensure that these activities are well-organized and mindful of the safety of the communities.

Before the press conference, Guico and Vice Governor Mark Lambino led schoolchildren and provincial employees in the ceremonial blowing of trumpets in front of the Capitol. INQ