The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority asked mayors in the National Capital Region to designate fireworks display zones in their respective areas for the New Year revelry, as the Department of Health logged 88 fireworks-related injuries, including a four-year old boy who accidentally ingested a “watusi” (stick firecracker) at home.
MMDA acting chairman Romando Artes said the designation of fireworks display zones in every Metro Manila LGU will provide a safer environment during the holiday celebration.
“Setting up a common fireworks display zone can prevent or lessen fireworks-related injuries. Open spaces or common areas can be designated as fireworks display zones,” he said.
During a recent Metro Manila Council meeting, Artes and Metro Manila mayors discussed an MMDA resolution urging LGUs to set up firework display zones.
“It is a tradition to use firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices during the holiday season. There is undeniably a significant number of firecracker-related injuries, casualties, and accidental fires recorded every year in Metro Manila related to the indiscriminate and unregulated use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices,” the resolution stated.
Health authorities also urged the Metro Manila mayors to promote the Department of Health’s “Ligtas Christmas sa Healthy Pilipinas” which has three components – Healthy Handaan (healthy feast), Healthy Celebration, and Iwas Paputok (avoiding the use of firecrackers).
The DOH on Thursday said the 88 fireworks-related injuries recorded ahead of the New Year celebration included a four-year old boy from Calabarzon who accidentally ingested watusi.
In case of watusi ingestion, the DOH advised the public to give around six to eight egg whites for kids and eight to 12 egg whites for adults. The victim should be brought immediately to an emergency room.
Of the 13 new cases logged yesterday, five involved prohibited firecrackers.
Most of the cases of fireworks-related injuries were recorded in the National Capital Region with 31, followed by Central Luzon with 11, and Ilocos with 10.
The cases mostly involved boga, five star, piccolo, and pla-pla which are prohibited firecrackers, as well as whistle bombs, luces, and kwitis.
The Philippine National Police, for its part, reminded the public to refrain from buying firecrackers online.
Firecrackers purchased online could ignite and cause accidents during delivery, said Col. Jay Guillermo, chief of the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group.
“No one is authorized by the government to sell fireworks online because what we are thinking about here is the safety of the buyers and also the people who will pass the fireworks wherever you take them,” Guillermo said in a television interview.
An animal welfare group and an environmental health group likewise urged Filipinos to welcome the New Year without firecrackers and fireworks to protect human lives as well as animals.
During the “Iwas Paputoxic” event held in Quezon City, the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) and the EcoWaste Coalition put the spotlight on the adverse effects of lighting firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices on humans and their pets.
“It brings about a terrified response from many dogs and they could sustain serious and even fatal injuries just trying to get away from the deafening noise,” said Sharon Yap of PAWS.