BAGUIO CITY, Dec. 17 (PIA) – – A safe, healthy and injury – free Christmas and New Year celebration.
This is what the Department of Health and its partners aim for call as they launched the “Iwas Paputok” campaign in a kapihan media forum at the DOH Regional office here on Tuesday.
DOH Cordillera Regional Director Dr. Amelita Pangilinan said this year’s theme, “Sa Ingay Walang Sablay, sa Paputok Goodbye Kamay Kaya Wag Pasaway”, calls for public support anew in doing away with firecrackers as these may harm and instead use other safer means of noise and merry making this holiday season.
She explained that attaining zero injuries during the yuletide revelries remains a goal. In 2014, 70 cases of firecracker/fireworks related injuries were recorded in the region with most of the victims were children (7 to 16 years old).
Pangilinan re-echoed Health Secretary Janette Garin’s call for a unified effort in ensuring zero firecracker- related injuries this yuletide season.
“Every time a firecracker is ignited, a person’s life is in a threat. Serious injuries and amputation caused by firecrackers are life changing consequences. It is an extreme gamble to one’s future. Hence let us do our part altogether in ensuring a healthy, safe and injury-free Christmas and New Year celebration”, Pangilinan enjoined.
Police Regional Office – Cordillera Deputy Director for Administration PCSupt Robert Quenery, meanwhile, assured PNP’s readiness with their personnel all over the region already on blue alert under “Oplan Ligtas Paskuhan”.
Baguio City Police Director PSSupt Rolando Miranda and Benguet Police Provincial Director PSSUpt. David Peredo likewise assured their peace and order preparedness for the yuletide season in their respective areas of responsibility.
Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center Emergency Room head Dr. Honorio Pangilinan Jr. and Health Emergency Management head Dr. Larry Haya also assured their hospital’s readiness to respond to any emergency. BGHMC is already on Code White Alert.
Other panelists in the forum were Mayor Mauricio Domogan and Dr. Donnabel Tubera of the City Health Services Office and SFO3 Josesito Dollente of the Bureau of Fire Protection – Cordillera. /JDP/CCD with Shaura Cuyan – PIA CAR
