As Manila prepares to welcome 2025 with a grand spectacle, health authorities report a significant early decline in fireworks-related incidents compared to last year.
Sharp Decline in Holiday Injuries
The Department of Health (DOH) announced on Tuesday, December 23, that the country has recorded seven fireworks-related injuries (FWRIs) so far. This figure represents a dramatic 75 percent decrease from the same monitoring period in 2023, when 28 injuries were reported.
The data was collected from 62 sentinel hospitals across various regions between December 21 and 4 a.m. on December 23. The DOH emphasized that most injuries were caused by illegal fireworks, specifically naming Boga and 5-star firecrackers as common culprits.
Youth Most Affected, Manila Plans Grand Show
A breakdown of the cases reveals that a majority of the victims are young. About 57 percent of the total cases are aged 19 years and below, while the remaining 43 percent are 20 years old and above.
This safety report comes as Manila finalizes preparations for its New Year's Day celebration. The city is set to greet 2025 with an extravagant fireworks display and a three-dimensional show at the city hall clock tower on January 1.
Critical Safety Reminders from DOH
Despite the encouraging drop in injuries, the health department issued a strong reminder to the public. In case of any firecracker-related accidents, victims should be promptly brought to the nearest hospital for immediate medical attention.
For emergencies, the public is urged to call the National Emergency Hotline at 911 right away to access urgent medical assistance. Vigilance and responsible celebration are key to ensuring a safe transition into the new year.
