CITY OF KORONADAL — The Department of Health (DOH) launched recently it “Oplan Iwas Paputok, Fireworks Display ang Patok” campaign with various partner agencies at the City Hall Lobby here.
This year’s campaign focused on the use of fireworks instead of the firecrackers as part of the traditional celebration of New Year’s Day, which will be spearheaded by LGUs.
DOH Assistant Secretary for Mindanao Cluster Dr. Abdullah Dumama who graced the launching as Guest Speaker, pointed out that the objective of the campaign is to reduce the incidence of firecracker-related injury especially during New Year’s Eve.
Jenelyn Ellie Ventura, DOH 12 Oplan Iwas Paputok Regional Coordinator, reported during the launching that 193 firecracker-related injury including stray bullet was recorded in Region 12 from December 21, 2015 to January 5, 2016.
Of the cities and provinces within the region, Ventura added that South Cotabato top the number of firecracker-related injury at 79 with a single case of stray bullet, followed by North Cotabato with 28, Sultan Kudarat 28. General Santos City 21, Sarangani 18 and Cotabato City 10.
As host of the launching, Mayor Peter Miguel expressed his support in the campaign and promised to allot P10,000 for the cluster barangays of Zone 1,2,3,4 and General Paulino Santos and another P10,000 each for the remaining 22 barangays for their fireworks display on New Year’s Eve.
In attendance during the launching activity were Dr. Francisco Mateo, DOH 12 OIC-Regional Director, South Cotabato Provincial Health officer Dr. Rogelio Aturdido and representatives from DepED, DTI, PNP and BFP.
A Press Conference with SOCCSKSAEEN media followed after launching that was moderated by PIA 12 Regional Director Olivia Sudaria.
