Baguio: The City Health Services Office (CHSO) has initiated a program to monitor injuries related to fireworks and firecrackers as the holiday season approaches. This initiative, which began on Monday, aims to collect data that will inform future safety policies and preventive measures.
According to Philippines News Agency, City Health Officer Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes highlighted the importance of the data collection effort, noting that it will form the foundation for recommendations to both the executive and legislative branches of the city government. "The data we obtain will serve as a springboard in recommending specific measures to further protect the public," Brillantes stated.
The monitoring period is set to continue until January 6, 2026. This effort follows historical data that prompted the city government to enforce a ban on the sale and use of firecrackers and pyrotechnics by the general public. Only regulated community fireworks displays are permitted, conducted in designated areas with stringent safety protocols.
Dr. Brillantes recalled that Baguio once had designated areas for selling firecrackers, which were subsequently prohibited to reduce their usage and prevent injuries and fatalities, particularly among children.
Records from the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center underscored the need for such measures, documenting 13 fireworks-related injuries from December 21, 2024, to January 6, 2025. The injuries included six eye injuries, three blast injuries, three burns, and one abrasion. Notably, nine of the victims were children aged 7 to 16, while four were adults aged 24 to 26.
