PIA Press Release
Monday, January 02, 2012

Local gov’t cites drop of firecracker-related injuries, “zero” deaths in Albay

LEGAZPI CITY, Jan 2 (PIA) -- The provincial government reported a drop in firecracker-related injuries and zero death in Albay in the wake of the New Year celebration.

Albay Governor Joey Salceda said reports relayed by police provincial director Senior Superintendent William S. Macavinta show that only five were injured caused by firecrackers in the entire province and zero death, compared to 27 reported incidents last year.

Summary list of firecracker-related incidents in Albay include one each in the cities of Tabaco, Ligao, and Legazpi and two in Daraga; firecrackers involved were baby rockets or “kwitis,” piccolo, super lolo.

Salceda attributed this outcome to the national and government’s aggressive campaign against the use of dangerous firecrackers in welcoming the New Year.

“We consider these outcomes of the “Iwas Paputok” campaign component of the Karangahan sa Pasko: Albay Green Christmas as “very successful,” Salceda noted.

“While five is not zero, still, this achievement was the result of an estimated 47 percent usage reduction of firecrackers to celebrate the New Year,” he added.

The governor furthered that the economic benefits from the reduced usage of firecrackers are estimated at P14 million savings.

It can be recalled that Albay observed Karangahan sa Pasko: Albay Green Christmas with two basic elements, that is, Karangahan featuring Fiesta Culinaria, Beer Plaza and Trade Fair; and Green Christmas showcasing Walang Plastikan and Iwas Paputok.

The police provincial, city, and municipal offices had early in December, step up information drive all over the province on Iwas Paputok, while the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) did rounds of different areas beefing up reminders to the public on the danger of firecrackers.

The provincial government, according to the governor, had always actively supported the Department of Health’s (DOH) annual campaign against firecrackers which is the leading cause of injuries and deaths during New Year celebration, especially on children exposed to the threats of firecrackers.

DOH this year pursued its APIR or Aksyon: Paputok Injury Reduction campaign with the help of the police, local governments, and other agencies in an effort to decrease the number of firecracker-related injuries and deaths while celebrating the New Year. (MAL-PIA V Albay)