Firecracker-related injuries in the Ilocos Region have spiked by 266 percent compared to the same period in 2023 with health authorities urging safer ways to celebrate the New Year.

From December 21 to 26, 2024, at least 44 cases of injuries were recorded, a significant jump from the 12 cases reported during the same period in 2023.

Most of these incidents occurred in Pangasinan, which reported 31 cases, followed by La Union with 8.

“Sa ngayon, tuloy-tuloy ang ating monitoring sa mga firework-related injury. As a matter of fact, nag-code white tayo noong 21 at mananatili ito hanggang matapos ang Bagong Taon,” Dr. Rheuel Bobis, spokesperson for the Center for Health Development (CHD) Region 1, said.

Among the firecrackers causing injuries, boga remains the leading culprit, with 15 incidents, followed by five-star (7 cases) and baby rocket (4 cases).

Nationally, there have been 101 recorded cases of firecracker-related injuries so far, with men accounting for 92 of these.

PARTY HORN ADVOCATE

To reduce these numbers, health authorities continue to advocate for the use of safer alternatives like torotot or party horns.

Vendors in Calasiao, Pangasinan have started selling party horns at prices ranging from P25 to P100, and demand is expected to rise in the coming days.

“Torotot talaga ang safe. Nakakatakot ang paputok,” Chelsum Melecio, a vendor, said.

“Mas gusto namin ang torotot kasi mas safe ito sa mga bata at saka iwas sa sunog,” Precy Tamayo, a buyer, added.