MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang on Sunday advised the public to avoid injuries by not using dangerous firecrackers in welcoming 2016 on New Year's Eve.
”Few days before the New Year, the government continues to appeal to everybody to cooperate in avoiding the use of dangerous firecrackers and instead welcome the 2016 with safe celebration,” Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in an interview with Radyo ng Bayan.
Instead of using dangerous firecrackers, Coloma encouraged the public to use alternative way of celebrating the New Year by using other noise-makers such as trumpets and street-dancing with loud music.
Coloma said the Department of Health recently launched a campaign called “Tetano: Nakamamatay, Huwag Pasaway. Sa Paputok May Goodbye” to remind the public, especially children to stop using dangerous explosives or firecrackers.
”The DOH continues to coordinate with other agencies such as the Departments of Interior and Local Government, Trade and Industry and Philippine National Police to prevent the sale of the illegal firecrackers and reduce the number of victims,” Coloma said.
The DOH raised the highest alert, Code White Alert, to public hospitals and medical facilities in the country on December 21. The alert was raised to ensure readiness of providing immediate assistance to possible victims of fireworks-related injuries.