By CESAR JOLITO III
The Department of Health in the Negros Island Region (DOH-NIR) has recorded a significant number of injuries linked to firecrackers and road crashes based on its ongoing holiday surveillance period.
DOH-NIR documented 37 fireworks-related injuries and 290 road crash injuries across Negros Island and Siquijor since December 21.
Of the 37 firecracker-related injuries, 35 involved individuals aged 18 years old and below, with the youngest patient only five years old, according to DOH-NIR.
Negros Occidental accounted for the highest number of cases at 23, followed by Negros Oriental with 13, while Bacolod City reported one case.
No cases were recorded in Siquijor during the same period.
Data showed that most injuries were caused by illegal and improvised fireworks, including triangles (11 cases), bogas (nine), lantaka (four), kwitis (two), whistle bombs (two), and bamboo cannons (two).
Single cases were also attributed to improvised devices, skyrockets, five-star firecrackers, candle bombs, sparklers, and unidentified fireworks.
Road crash injuries reach 364 cases
DOH-NIR said cumulative road crash injuries climbed to 364 cases, including fatalities.
Negros Occidental recorded the highest number with 228 cases, including four deaths, while Negros Oriental logged 91 cases with one death.
Siquijor reported 36 cases with one fatality, and Bacolod City tallied nine cases, with most patients sent home after treatment.
Across the region, the majority of patients were treated and discharged, although several cases required hospital admission or transfer to higher-level facilities.
The agency also logged seven lifestyle-related chronic non-communicable disease cases, including six acute stroke cases and one bronchial asthma case.
Health officials clarified that the figures remain under verification and may still change, with the final consolidated report set for release on January 6, 2026.
Safety reminders
Amid the rising numbers, DOH-NIR reiterated public health reminders, especially as New Year celebrations approach.
For firecracker-related burns or wounds, the public is advised to wash the affected area immediately with clean water and antibacterial soap, seek prompt medical attention, and ensure all cases are reported to health facilities.
To prevent injuries, the DOH urged residents to avoid using firecrackers and instead watch organized community fireworks or use safer alternatives such as whistles, drums and torotot.
Motorists were also reminded to avoid drinking and driving, wear seatbelts and helmets approved by the Department of Trade and Industry, and follow road safety protocols under the government’s “BiyaHealthy” campaign.
The agency further encouraged the public to maintain healthy habits during the holidays by limiting intake of sugary, salty and fatty foods; continuing regular exercise; taking maintenance medications; and observing proper hand hygiene.
Health authorities continue to call for vigilance and cooperation to reduce preventable injuries and illnesses during the remaining days of the holiday season./CJ, WDJ