CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- As the celebration of New Year nears, the Department of Health (DOH)-Central Luzon is reminding the public to avoid using firecrackers that may lead to untoward incidents.
To boost its campaign, the health agency launched the "Oplan Iwas Paputok 2019," which aims to continuously minimize firecracker-related incidents in the region this holiday season.
Based on the data released by the DOH, firecracker-related incidents dropped by almost 50 percent from 390 reported in December 2017 to January 2018, to 203 cases.
DOH-Central Luzon Medical Officer 3 Dr. Madison Dominguez said the agency targets to lower the number of firecracker-related incidents through promotion of community fireworks display.
He urged the public to watch community fireworks displays set by their respective villages as ordered through Executive Order 28, instead using firecrackers.
"Let us celebrate the holidays with caution by avoiding the use of firecrackers. We can use other things such as metal wares to create noises, or organize other activities such as street dances instead," he said.
This year's campaign is anchored on the theme "Iwas Paputok, Iwas Putol, Community Fireworks Display ang Patok."