CEBU, Philippines – Oplan Iwas Paputok, a multi-sectoral campaign spearheaded by the Department of Health aimed at reducing firecracker-related injuries during the yuletide season, has already been in place for two decades. Through the years, DOH has strived to reduce the number of firecracker related injuries, if not totally eradicate such accidents, through massive media campaign and advocacy to local government units to monitor the sale of prohibited firecrackers in communities.
While it's virtually impossible to totally prevent New Year's Eve revelers from using firecrackers, the year's figures are quite promising, showing a significant decrease in the number of firecracker-related injuries. From December 21, 2014 to the first week of January 2015, the DOH recorded a 16 percent decrease with 860 reported cases.
The figures were lower by 160 (31 percent) than the previous five-year (2009- 2013) annual average. Of course, it is also fitting to recognize the enormous efforts of the PNP and other government and nongovernment agencies for their support in this task. The PNP, for one, conducted fireworks training seminars for both manufacturers and users of firecrackers.
Legal sanction is in place with Republic Act 7183, which regulates the manufacture, sale, distribution, and use of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices. Among the salient provisions of the law is the penalty for using illegal firecrackers ranges from six months to a year's imprisonment or a possible fine of up to P20,000. Firecrackers with net explosives content of more than 0.2 grams or approximately one-third teaspoon are specifically prohibited because they are very dangerous and are known to cause serious injury or even death. But many believe that the law needs to be amended.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government has issued a circular encouraging the LGUs to designate specific areas for selling of firecrackers and to restrict selling at the community sari-sari stores. Likewise, it instructed the LGUs to lead in the information campaign on the dangers of firecracker use, especially among children.
The Bureau of Fire Protection also conducted several information campaigns for people to strictly observe safety measures to prevent household fires. Local government units held parades to create awareness that other noise-making activities or devices can be used to usher in the New Year. The Department of Education led the information campaign among students on the dangers of firecracker use or even playing with firecrackers and its powder that failed to explode. Because of this concerted effort of different government agencies, reports showed that firecracker sales have dropped by 10 to 15 percent.
At the House of Representatives, the DOH pushed for the total prohibition or ban on firecrackers including the small and non-harmful ones. There is a need for stricter legislation to really stop citizens from engaging in this dangerous practice each time the New Year comes, but it was a no-go for the House leaders.
The theme for this year's campaign is "Way pasaway sa Paputok, Goodbye Kamay". It aims to lessen the number of fireworks-related injuries. All public hospitals are on code white from December 21 to January 5. Hospitals are placed on Code White Alert when there is a possibility of mass casualty incidents. This means that a hospital's emergency medicines, especially trauma, are fully stocked and made available at the emergency room.
The DOH is asking the public to use safe and alternative means of welcoming the New Year. They recommend the use of trumpets or other means to make noise and enjoy the holidays without firecracker-related injuries.