December is firecracker injury prevention month in Cavite

TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite – December is both Christmas time and “Firecracker Injury Prevention Month” in Cavite in an effort to heighten public awareness of the serious threat posed by firecrackers during this festive time of the year.
Cavite’s Provincial Ordinance No.108, sponsored by former Cavite Provincial Board member and current Imus City Vice Mayor Arnel Cantimbuhan, declares every December “Firecracker Injury Prevention Month”, calling for appropriate programs and celebrations during the month.

The provincial ordinance aims to intensify public education and awareness of the dangers brought about by firecrackers, such as burns, poisoning, respiratory problems, eye and severe hand injuries.

In pursuit of the ordinance, the Cavite Provincial Government shall conduct and adopt the national theme and appropriate funds for the purpose and strictly enforce the provisions of Republic Act No. 718 which regulates the sale, manufacture, distribution and use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices.
Provincial epidemiology chief, Dr. Nelson C. Soriano, told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Thursday that firecracker-related injuries in Cavite have already reached 182 this year, marking a 28-percent increase compared to last year’s 145 cases.

Soriano added that their 2016 data also reported an incident on ingestion of “watusi”, popular among children.

The provincial government made its December declaration consistent with the national law to regulate and control the manufacture, sale, distribution and use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices to ensure public safety, order and national security.
Under the Local Government Code, local government units (LGUs) are empowered to promulgate necessary rules and regulations within their territorial jurisdiction and in conformity with the national standards, for the promotion of the general welfare of their constituents. (Rogelio Limpin/PNA)