The Department of Health (DOH) in the Ilocos Region has reported two fireworks-related injuries as part of their ongoing campaign to promote safety during the holiday season. The incidents, both involving children, were recorded by December 22, 2024, highlighting the dangers of fireworks during festive celebrations.
The first incident occurred on December 21, when a seven-year-old boy from Bayambang, Pangasinan, was injured by a homemade cannon known as a ‘boga’. The device, made from a can filled with gasoline and ignited with a lighter, caused a blast or burn injury to the child. He received immediate medical attention at Bayambang District Hospital, where he was treated with anti-tetanus serum, tetanus toxoid, and tetanus immunoglobulin.
The second case was reported the following day, involving a 12-year-old boy from Mangaldan, Pangasinan, who suffered similar injuries after igniting a ‘five star’ firecracker. He was treated at Mapandan Community Hospital and also received the necessary vaccinations and treatments.
In response to these incidents, DOH Ilocos Region has mandated all health facilities, including private hospitals, to report any fireworks-related injuries through the Online National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (ONEISS). This directive aims to ensure timely and accurate reporting, which is crucial for effective decision-making by stakeholders.
Paula Paz Sydiongco, the DOH Ilocos regional director, emphasized the importance of protecting children during the holiday festivities. She urged the community to supervise children closely and consider using alternative noisemakers instead of fireworks to prevent further injuries.
The surveillance period for fireworks-related injuries in the Ilocos Region began at 6 a.m. on December 21, 2024, and will continue until 5:59 a.m. on January 6, 2025. The region has designated four sentinel sites for monitoring such incidents, located in key medical centers across Ilocos Norte, La Union, and Pangasinan.