As the holiday season peaks, the Department of Health (DOH) reminds the public to be mindful not just of what they eat but also in ensuring their safety on the road with the expected holiday rush and travel.

At the DOH Metro Manila Center for Health Development’s launch of Ligtas Christmas in Valenzuela City, Director Lester Tan said this year’s campaign focuses on advocating healthier choices, whether in the food that people prepare, the manner in which they travel and how they usher in the coming new year.

“Ngayong panahon ng Kapaskuhan, siguruhin natin ‘yung tamang pagkain. Iwasan ang labis-labis na pagkain ng matatamis, maalat, mamantika, at mataba,” he said.

Healthy eating habits is one of the three subcampaigns of DOH this year.

Data showed that in the last quarter of 2024, over 50,000 adults aged 20 to 59 years were assessed to be at risk for hypertension while over 16,000 had diabetes.

Obesity was also the case for 110,000 adults.

Biyahealthy, which encourages the public to travel safely, advocates not just ensuring their vehicles are roadworthy, but also stresses the importance of staying away from alcohol if driving.

Driving under the influence of alcohol has been blamed as one of the reasons for road crashes, especially during the holiday season.

“Siguruhin na hindi nakainom kung magmamaneho. Dahil sa nararanasang holiday traffic, iwasan nating maging aggressive sa kalsada. Nakita ‘yan ng Department of Health na tumataas. Kung kaya sinama na ang Biyahealthy at tamang pagkain tuwing Kapaskuhan,” Tan said.

Iwas Paputok, previously the lone campaign of the DOH towards the end of the year, now only comes as a third subcampaign.

Based on the region’s monitoring of fireworks-related injuries in 2024, a total of 422 incidents were recorded. This is 31 percent higher compared to the prior year.

The DOH said it is also partnering with other government agencies to ensure the overall safety of Filipinos as more head out to parties and embark on long travel for the holidays. (ABS-CBN News)