Ilocos Region Records 78 Fireworks-Related Injuries Over Holiday Season

Manila: The Department of Health in Ilocos Region (DOH-1) has reported 78 fireworks-related injuries (FWRIs) from December 21 to 31, 2025, marking a 2.6 percent increase compared to the 76 cases recorded during the same period last year. According to Philippines News Agency, the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Data as of 5 p.m. on Wednesday identified the primary causes of these injuries as unlabeled firecrackers, five star, kwitis, and boga. The data also revealed that the most affected age groups are between five to nine years old and 10 to 14 years old, with 82 percent of the victims being male. Earl Perlas, an emergency operations center staff member from the Pangasinan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, mentioned in an interview on Thursday that the consolidation of other related incidents is ongoing in the province. He noted that they are particularly monitoring the beaches, especially Lingayen Beach, as a large influx of people is expected following the New Year revelry. "We have raised blue alert status since Dec. 22 and it remains in effect to this day," Perlas added. In preparation for potential emergencies, all public health facilities in the region have been placed under Code White alert from December 18, 2025, to January 5, 2026. During this period, zero-balance billing is being maintained in DOH hospitals. Sydiongco emphasized the importance of collective responsibility, stating, "A healthy and safe Christmas is a shared responsibility. The best gift we can give our families this season is good health, safety, and peace of mind." In addition to fireworks-related incidents, DOH-1 reported 29 individuals involved in road crashes between December 21 and 28 this year, with the most affected age group being 30 to 34 years old, predominantly male. Tragically, one fatality was recorded among these incidents. Furthermore, 39 cases of stroke, heart attack, and bronchial asthma were reported in the province from December 21 to 30 this year, according to DOH-1. The department has issued reminders to the public to avoid overeating and smoking, to limit alcohol intake, and to engage in physical activity to maintain health during the festive season.