The Department of Health Western Visayas Center for Health Development (DOH WV CHD), in collaboration with the Iloilo City Health Office, has launched the Ligtas Christmas 2024 campaign to promote safe and healthy holiday festivities. On December 19, 2024, officials emphasized the importance of vigilance against health risks during the festive season.
Dr. Ma. Femie P. Japitana, Medical Coordinator for the Food and Waterborne Diseases Program, highlighted the campaign’s focus on educating the public about maintaining well-being. The initiative encourages a healthy lifestyle, including proper nutrition, regular exercise, and self-discipline.
The campaign also addresses road safety and advocates for safer alternatives to traditional fireworks, such as organized displays and the use of noisemakers like ‘torotot’ (blow horns), drums, and light sticks. This push comes in response to last year’s statistics, which reported 294 firecracker-related injuries in Western Visayas, with a significant 33 percent of these cases involving children aged 1 to 10.
Dariane Joy Papa, a nurse from the Iloilo City Health Office, noted that most injuries occurred between December 31 and January 1, primarily from blasts, burns, and eye injuries caused by fireworks like kwitis (rockets), luces (sparklers), and homemade explosives. She warned against the dangers of handling unexploded firecrackers, a common cause of injury among children.
Additionally, Dr. Japitana stressed the importance of safe food handling, particularly with perishable items like spaghetti and pasta, which can lead to food poisoning if not stored correctly. She advised that food should not be left out for more than two hours and should be refrigerated at below five degrees Celsius.
The DOH WV CHD remains committed to promoting safety and health practices to ensure a joyous yet secure holiday season for everyone in Western Visayas.