Fireworks injuries still fewer than last year
The number of people injured due to firecrackers has reached over 100, according to the latest data from the Department of Health (DOH), but the figure remains fewer than the data recorded last year.
In a report released on Sunday, the DOH revealed that it has monitored 112 cases since Dec. 21, about 26-percent lower than the same period last year.
Most cases were recorded in the National Capital Region with 52, followed by Ilocos Region (12), Central Luzon (9) and Western Visayas (9).
Boys ages 5 to 14 were the most affected, according to the DOH, with 55 cases. The top causes of injuries were attributed to firecrackers, including 5-star, boga, kwitis, piccolo, pla-pla and whistle bomb.
Road crashes, noncommunicable diseases
Meanwhile, cases of road crashes during the same period reached 376, which was 5.76-percent lower than the same period last year.
Most of these cases were recorded in Cagayan Valley, Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) and Bicol Region.
On the other hand, a total of 190 cases of noncommunicable diseases were recorded so far, with acute stroke (brain attack) accounting for 118 cases, acute coronary syndrome (heart attack) for 49 and bronchial asthma for 23.
The authorities released the data on Sunday as advocacy groups urged the public to celebrate a firecracker-free New Year to spare pets and children from fear, protect public health and reduce toxic pollution.
The EcoWaste Coalition and the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) held their annual “Iwas PapuToxic” event at a mall in Quezon City on Sunday, highlighting the dangers fireworks and firecrackers pose to animals, people and the environment.
The event featured a pet parade, where owners and their animal companions carried placards advocating a firecracker-free New Year.
The Iwas PapuToxic campaign has been part of EcoWaste’s advocacy since 2006, supporting the government’s Iwas Paputok program led by the DOH to reduce injuries, air pollution, and toxic waste during the holiday season.
“The thunderous blasts of fireworks inflict profound terror on pets and even greater trauma on defenseless strays,” PAWS executive director Anna Cabrera said.
“Pets perceive sound at much higher frequencies and volumes than humans. Many dogs tremble and hide for hours after the explosions. Outdoor pets are particularly vulnerable—please bring them indoors for their safety,” she added.
EcoWaste Coalition also highlighted the environmental and health impacts of firecrackers, which release toxic smoke, fine particulate matter and climate-warming gases that can worsen respiratory conditions, especially among children, senior citizens and those with preexisting illnesses.
“As we welcome 2026, we encourage the public to make their countdown people-, pet-, and planet-friendly,” said EcoWaste National Coordinator Aileen Lucero.
