The Department of Health renewed its call for the public to support the “Ligtas Christmas 2025” campaign aimed at ensuring a safe celebration of the Christmas and New Year holidays.
The agency underscored the need to avoid common holiday “bad habits” that pose risks to health and safety.
“Hindi natin dapat hayaang masira ang ating kalusugan nang dahil lamang sa mga nakasanayang hindi ligtas na gawi tuwing Pasko at Bagong Taon,” DOH – Metro Manila Center for Health Development (MMCHD) Regional Director Lester Tan said during his speech at the campaign launch in Valenzuela City.
“Ang tunay na diwa ng Kapaskuhan ay hindi nasusukat sa sobra-sobrang handaan at bisyo, kundi sa kaligtasan, disiplina at malasakit sa isa’t isa,” he added.
Among the unhealthy behaviors the agency warned against are excessive consumption of the “4Ms” — matamis (sweets), maalat (salty), mataba (fatty) and mamantika (oily) foods — which can trigger hypertension, diabetes and heart disease.
The agency also cautioned against heavy alcohol intake, smoking and vaping inside homes and public spaces, lack of physical activity and sleep deprivation due to extended gatherings and screen time.
Data from the DOH-MMCHD Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Section showed that in the fourth quarter of last year, the National Capital Region recorded 50,502 adults assessed to have hypertension, 16,279 with Type 2 diabetes, 110,613 who were overweight or obese, 37,936 binge drinkers, and 25,577 smokers.
The region likewise reported 422 fireworks-related injuries (FWRI) from December 21, 2024 to January 6, 2025. This is a 31 percent increase from the previous year.
To counter these risks, the DOH-MMCHD is urging families to embrace healthier celebrations through “TED” — tamang pagkain, ehersisyo at disiplina. This includes cutting down on the 4Ms, avoiding excessive alcohol, maintaining regular meal schedules, and observing safe food-handling practices such as proper handwashing.
For safer travel, the agency reiterated the “BiyaHealthy” reminders, emphasizing vehicle readiness through BLOW-BAG-SET (brakes, lights, oil, water, battery, accessories, gas/fuel, self, electrical and tires).
The public is advised to avoid driving when sleepy or intoxicated, wear DTI-approved helmets and seatbelts, stay alert on the road, and avoid gadget use while driving.
Under the “Iwas Paputok” initiative, the DOH-MMCHD continues to encourage communities to opt for organized fireworks displays and safe alternatives to firecrackers, and to keep emergency hotlines accessible during the holidays.
The department also appealed to local government units (LGUs) to intensify local information campaigns and strictly implement ordinances that promote public safety.
“Our LGUs play a crucial role in ensuring a safe and healthy Christmas. With strong enforcement of ordinances, such as smoking bans in public spaces and prohibitions on illegal firecrackers, and active participation of barangays, we can better protect our communities,” Tan said.
The agency stressed that breaking unhealthy holiday habits is a key step toward building healthier individuals and more resilient communities this festive season. (PNA)