As the Philippines prepares to welcome 2026, the Department of Health (DOH) has reported an early tally of injuries linked to festive pyrotechnics. The agency recorded seven firecracker-related injuries in a recent monitoring period, urging the public to prioritize safety over tradition.
Early Holiday Injury Count Shows Significant Drop
According to the latest data from the health department, the seven injuries were documented from December 21 to 4 a.m. on December 23, 2025. The DOH specifically identified Boga and 5-Star firecrackers as the main culprits behind most of these incidents. This early count comes with more than a week still remaining before the peak of New Year's Eve celebrations.
In a positive comparison, the agency highlighted that this year's initial figure represents a substantial decrease. During the same period in 2024, the DOH reported 28 firecracker-related injuries. This means the current count is approximately 75 percent lower than last year's, indicating a potential shift in public behavior or the effectiveness of safety campaigns.
DOH Reiterates Call for Safer Celebrations
The health department has seized on this early data to reinforce its annual warning against the dangers of personal fireworks use. In a clear directive, the DOH advised, "Do not light fireworks anymore. Instead, use safer alternative noisemakers." The agency emphasizes that the risk of burns, blindness, and other serious injuries far outweighs the brief spectacle of lighting fireworks at home.
Beyond individual action, the DOH is also calling on local government units to play a proactive role. The department urged local officials to organize supervised community fireworks displays for their residents. "Just watch the community fireworks instead of lighting fireworks on your own," the agency recommended, promoting a safer, communal approach to the tradition.
Shifting Towards a Safer New Year Tradition
The repeated warnings from health authorities underscore a long-standing campaign to reduce holiday-related injuries and deaths. While the significant drop in early injuries is encouraging, the DOH remains vigilant as the country approaches December 31. The message is consistent: the safest way to enjoy fireworks is to leave their handling to professionals at authorized public displays.
As Filipinos finalize their plans for the holiday, the choice between personal risk and community safety becomes paramount. The DOH's data serves as a crucial reminder that a joyful celebration should not end in the emergency room.
