The Department of Health (DOH), in partnership with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and the Philippine National Police (PNP), virtually launches the annual Holiday Campaign with the theme: Ligtas Christmas sa Healthy Pilipinas. The campaign aims to guide the public on easy and doable ways to safely celebrate the Holiday Season.
This year, the campaign focuses on 3 main behaviors to keep Filipinos healthy amidst the pandemic. The public is reminded to (1) continuously practice the minimum public health standards (2) choose healthier options during feasts and similar activities, and (3) prevent fireworks-related injuries by avoiding its use and being prepared for accidents.
While there has been a decreasing number of COVID-19 cases in the country, Filipinos are advised not to let their guards down and prioritize the health and safety of their families by practicing the minimum public health standards “Patuloy nating isulong at obserbahan ang Bakuna – Airflow – Mask – Hugas – Iwas sa ating mga aktibidad ngayong kapaskuhan,” said Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III.
Aside from being safe, the DOH also underscores the importance of choosing healthier options during the festivities. This can be done through food moderation, consumption of well-balanced and nutrient-rich foods,avoidance of harmful intake of alcohol, and cessation of cigarette smoking and vaping.
To continue the gains of the country in preventing Firework-related Injuries, the DOH reminds the public to use safer alternatives to firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices by participating in community fireworks displays and by using other noise and light producing devices such as sound systems, light emitting devices, percussion instruments, pans, tambourines, and bells.
During the virtual launch, Supt. Warlito Dausof the DILG enjoins the local government units across the country to implement the Oplan: Iwas Paputok campaign and to intensify the dissemination of information from their local government offices up to the community level. Furthermore, Police Major General Jesus Cambay of the PNP informs the public of the prohibited firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices such as: piccolo, watusi, judas belt, whistle bomb, goodbye earth, super lolo, and atomic big triangulo.
In the same event, DTI, through Assistant Director Ferdinand Manfoste, also informs the public on regulation of fireworks and pyrotechnic devices and explains how to decipher legal from illegal devices. On the other hand, Supt. Analee Atienza of BFP reminds the public to aim for a fire-free holiday by knowing fire prevention and safety tips to prevent fire accidents and casualties.
Lastly, Mr. Thony Dizon of the EcoWaste Coalition, pushes for the advocacy of safe toys for kids. He mentions the importance of choosing and buying the right kind of toys to ensure children’s safety and health, citing the requirements of RA 10620, or the Toy and Game Safety Labeling Act.
Despite the restrictions and limitations brought about by the pandemic, the DOH encourages the public to remain positive: “Gayunpaman, kahit nasa gitna tayo ng pandemya, patuloy nating pinatutunayan na walang matinding paghihirap ang makasisira sa diwa ng Pasko sa buhay ng bawat Pilipino,” said Director Beverly Ho of the Health Promotion Bureau. (DOH)
