The Health Education and Promotion Office of DOH Region XII spearheaded once again the Press Conference on Iwas Paputok which is annually conducted every yuletide season approaching Christmas and New Year's Eve. It was held at Family Country Hotel, General Santos City last December 9, 2014 and participated in by media partners and panelists from different concerned agencies. The panelists were Dr. Edgardo Sandig, City Health Officer of General Santos City, Dr. Alah Baby Vingno, DOH Medical Specialist III, Supt. Victor Vibares, OIC of Bureau of Fire Protection, Mr. Darwin V. Custodio, Senior Inspector of BFP, Ms. Jennylyn Te-Elan, Inspector Representative of BFP Gensan, Engr. Nenita L. Barroso, Provincial Director of the Department of Industry and Ms. Olivia T. Sudaria, Regional Director of Philippine Information Agency. The communication handle for this year is "Mahalaga ang Buhay, Iwasan ang Paputok. Salubungin ang Bagong Taon ng Ligtas, Masaya at Puno ng Pag-asa."
The activity aims to inform the public through media partners about Iwas Paputok campaign this year which will be given through some press releases and media coverage. In today's challenging environment, it's increasingly important to do advocacy because many firecrackers are being sold in the market which is unsafe especially to the children. Moreover, DOH and other agencies can come together and work in a collaborative fashion to help reduce firecracker-related injuries this 2014. The panelists engaged attendees with pleasant answers to variety of questions. Most of the questions asked were about enforcing on the banning of firecrackers so that it would be totally eliminated. They said that it is the most efficient way to make the holiday safer, but implementing a total ban nationwide will be difficult. Good thing that there is a regulation enforced by the government on the manufacture, sale and distribution of fireworks. Also, RD Sudaria of PIA suggested creating firecrackers task force which is to confiscate illegal firecrackers, check permits/licenses, and arrest people who are involved in illegal selling of firecrackers and identify areas for fireworks display which is safe for the community.
All were supportive to the campaign as DOH braced up for lesser or zero casualties this yuletide season. So Let us enjoy the holiday of love and giving with complete fingers and more importantly be safe because it's the happiest times of the year.
