Every year, we celebrate yuletide season around the world with a festive treat and amazing displays of firecrackers. Pinoys are fond of making noises by using firecrackers as a way of celebrating christmas and the new year's eve.
For 2015, the Department of Health slogan on anti-firecrackers campaign is " Sa Ingay Walang Sablay sa Paputok Goodbye Kamay".
To drumbeat this campaign, a press conference was conducted on December 11, 2015 at Family Country Hotel, General Santos City, participated by media partners and panelist from different concerned agencies. The panelists were Dr. Francisco V. Mateo, Director III, DOH RO XII, Dr. Washington G. Loreno, MPH, City Health Officer of General Santos City, Dr. Adimelca C. Gangoso, MPH Non-Communicable Disease Cluster Head, Dr. Marinel A. Lim, General Santos City Hospital Chief, PSupt. Romeo C. Galgo, Jr., PInsp. Maximo Layugan and PO1 Allan C. Navarro from the Philippine National Police, RO XII, and Cathy Apelacio, OIC-Manager of Philippine Information Agency, SarGen.

The panelist engaged the attendees on vivid concerns on anti-firecrackers campaign, from preparation to response, such as the extent of readiness in responding to injured persons. Dr. Francisco V. Mateo responded affirmatively and that public/government facilities (hospitals, RHUs) are prepared for the upcoming celebration. All were supportive to the campaign.
So let us enjoy the holiday seasons with joy, love and peace in our heart. Let's all welcome 2016, a high five with complete fingers.