The Department of Health (DOH) has reported a significant number of holiday-related injuries and health incidents during the Christmas week, highlighting persistent public safety concerns. From December 21 to 27, 2025, authorities documented nearly a hundred fireworks-related injuries and hundreds of road accidents across the country.
Fireworks Injuries: A Youth-Centered Concern
According to the DOH report released on Saturday, December 28, 91 individuals suffered fireworks-related injuries in the seven-day period leading up to the New Year. The National Capital Region (NCR) or Metro Manila accounted for the highest number of cases, with 40 injuries reported. The Ilocos Region followed with 10 cases, and Western Visayas recorded 8.
A particularly alarming detail from the data is the demographic most affected. Nearly half of all victims were males between the ages of 10 and 14. The health department identified the most common culprits behind these injuries as the 5-star, boga, kwitis, and pla-pla types of fireworks. A file photo from the Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center in Manila on January 1, 2025, showed victims of such accidents lining up for treatment, underscoring the annual recurrence of this issue.
Road Crashes and Other Health Emergencies
Beyond fireworks, the holiday week saw a sharp rise in traffic-related incidents. The DOH surveillance monitored 331 cases of road crashes during the same period. The regions of Cagayan Valley (Region II), Calabarzon (Region IV-A), and Bicol (Region V) reported the highest numbers.
The profile of these road crash victims differed from the fireworks injuries. Most were males aged 20 to 24 years old. A breakdown of the data reveals critical risk factors:
- 73% of the incidents involved motorcycles.
- 83% of those involved were not using any safety accessories like helmets.
- Approximately 12% of the cases involved individuals who were intoxicated.
The health agency also tracked other serious medical emergencies throughout the week. There were 105 cases of acute stroke or brain attack and 42 cases of acute coronary syndrome or heart attack, both conditions being more prevalent among males. Additionally, 21 cases of bronchial asthma were recorded, with a higher incidence among females.
Mental Health Calls Peak Before Christmas
The holiday period also placed a strain on mental health services. The DOH reported that the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) received 543 mental health-related calls during the surveillance week. The volume of calls peaked on December 23, just before Christmas celebrations.
Young adults aged 18 to 30 were the most frequent callers, followed by the 31 to 43 age group. The majority of callers were female. The primary reasons cited for reaching out included symptoms of anxiety and depression, problems related to love and relationships, and family conflicts.
The consolidated data from the Department of Health serves as a stark annual reminder of the safety and health challenges that accompany the festive season in the Philippines. It underscores the need for continued public awareness campaigns on the safe use of fireworks, responsible driving, and accessible mental health support, especially during periods of heightened social and family activity.
