DOH VI reiterates 'Kontra Paputok' advocacy
Dr. Erwin G. Solas, coordinator of Fourmula Kontra Paputok in Region VI urged the public as well as reiterated the importance of using safe and alternative ways of celebrating the New Year without using fireworks and other firecrackers in order to prevent injuries and harm to life and properties.
"We can help prevent if not reduce the number of injuries and deaths due to firecrackers, fireworks, stray bullets and watusi ingestion, by resorting to alternative means of merry making," said Dr. Solas during the PIA-CATV program over Cable Star Channel 15, recently.
The DOH, Solas said, advocates "Fourmula Kontra Paputok. The campaign aims to heighten awareness of the public on the four ways of preventing firecracker and fireworks-related injuries and deaths during holidays.
The Fourmula Kontra Paputok advocates the following: a) it is better to use pots, pans, and paper horns; 2) never pick up firecrackers that fails to explode; 2) immediately wash wounds witrh soap and water and go to the nearest hospital for treatment; and 4) never fire guns to greet the new year.
The DOH 2003 Fireworks-related injury Surveillance Report revealed that the victims are getting younger each year, that is why "we must discourage children from playing with firecrackers," Solas said.
The DOH VI Fourmula Kontra Paputok Coordinator said that the health department has resorted to various advocacy strategies since 1994 in order to inculcate in the minds of the people the hazards brought about by firecrackers. From "Oplan Torotot" initiated by then DOH Secretary Juan Flavier, it has evolved into "FOURmula Kontra Paputok" during the time of Secretary Manuel Dayrit and for the year 2005 under the incumbent Health Secretary Francisco Duque III it has a slogan "Para sa Ligtas Na Bagong Taon, Sundin and FOURmula Kontra Paputok."
(T.Villavert/PIA)