PHO-Aklan intensifies Iwas Paputok campaign

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

KALIBO, Aklan - To eliminate firecracker-related injuries for the holidays, the Provincial Health Office (PHO) Aklan has intensified its "Walang Batang Magpaputok" campaign.
Dr. Emma Cortes, Provincial Health Officer II, is urging the public to support the Iwas Paputok campaign of the Department of Health (DOH) for the Christmas and New Year season.
In 2009, the DOH reported 1,036 cases of injuries from firecrackers compared to 733 cases in 2008 or an increase of 60 percent all over the country.

Cortes said Metro Manila, Region 1 and Western Visayas accounted for most of the cases. Most injuries were caused by fireworks, kwitis and stray bullets.

In Aklan, DOH Aklan showed 76 cases in 2007 from a high of 174 injuries from December 2005 to January 2006 or a decrease of almost 50 percent in injuries.

Over DyRU Super Radyo Kalibo, Cortes said children from one year old to 10 and 11 years old to 20 years old are vulnerable to firecracker-related injuries. She also noted a slight increase in 2009 with 11 cases compared to year 2008 with seven cases, majority of those injured had blast/burn injuries.

She mentioned firecracker safety tips during the festivities, especially for children most prone to firecrackers-related injuries.

Cortes said Republic Act 7183 regulates the manufacturing, sale and distribution of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices such as bawang, watusi, trianggulo, Judas belt and babyrocket and parklers.