DOH: No to firecrackers

HARMLESS CELEBRATION --- DOH-ARMM Secretary Dr. Kadil M. Sinolinding, Jr. making an appeal in the health department’s advocacy “Iwas Paputok…” (Photo by Anne B. Acosta – MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

COTABATO CITY --- The Department of Health in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DOH-ARMM) has reiterated its call for a firecracker-free revelry in the coming New Year’s eve to prevent accidents, injuries, or even deaths that would only spoil the festive mood of the occasion.

There could be merriment minus the dangers of deadly brands of firecrackers, health authorities said.

DOH-ARMM Secretary Dr. Kadil M. Sinolinding, Jr. said they have been continuously spreading information materials urging the public to stay away from firecrackers and calling on everyone to support the campaign to make the coming year-end celebration “safe and joyful.”

As the health department launched recently the 2016 anti-firecracker campaign which carries the theme, “Iwas Paputok, Fireworks Display ang Patok! Makiisa Fireworks Display sa Inyong Lugar”, Sinolinding said children and parents are continuously reminded to have a safe and prosperous New Year and to avoid injuries emanating from lighted fireworks like piccolo and others.

Sinolinding said this year’s campaign focuses on encouraging the public to use alternative ways in celebrating Christmas and welcoming New Year.

“Instead of firecrackers, the public is encouraged to use safe merry-making instruments and alternative noise-makers such as ‘torotot’ and others. Also, the local government units are urged to foster community firework display. In the ARMM, Maguindanao is the province listed with the most number of injured persons during New Year’s eve,” said Sinolinding.

Sinolinding said the campaign also highlights posting or showing posters warning the people on the painful consequences of gambling one’s future in using firecrackers. He said these posters are placed in conspicuous areas.

To ensure the success of the campaign, the DOH-ARMM has coordinated with various other government agencies as well as local government units to strictly enforce in their jurisdiction Republic Act (RA) 7183 or the Anti-Firecrackers Law.

R.A. 7813 is an act regulating the sale, manufacture, distribution, and use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices for the prevention of injuries, death, and damage to properties caused by firecrackers.

In case of an injury due to firecrackers, Sinolinding reminded that the wounds must be immediately washed with clean running water until all visible dirt and gunpowder residue are removed. The patient must immediately be rushed to the nearest health facility for proper medical attention to prevent permanent injuries and disability and deaths due to Tetanus.

“We assure that the hospitals and rural health units are prepared to attend to injuries related to fireworks. Each time a firecracker is ignited, a person’s life is at risk so let us do our part, kaya dapat, Iwas Paputok, Fireworks Display ang Patok! Makiisa sa Fireworks Display sa Inyong Lugar,” said Sinolinding. (GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE B. ACOSTA – MINDANAO EXPOSE’ )