The Department of Health (DOH) reported a notable decrease in injuries caused by fireworks during the 2025 holiday season. From December 21, 2025, to January 5, 2026, a total of 720 fireworks-related injuries were recorded which was14 percent lower than the same period the previous year. Most incidents involved kwitis, five-star fireworks, whistle bombs, boga, and piccolo.
Despite the drop, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa stressed that fireworks injuries remain a public health concern, particularly when children are among the victims. “Fireworks-related injuries are still an issue as long as there are children losing fingers,” he said.
Road Crash Injuries Surge
In contrast, road crash injuries during the holiday period doubled, rising to 1,384 cases from 690 the previous year. Nearly half (47 percent) of the victims were youth aged 15 to 29. The DOH reported 10 deaths, including seven motorcycle riders—six of whom were not wearing helmets—and three pedestrians.
Herbosa cited unsafe driving practices as the main causes of road crash injuries, including not wearing helmets or seat belts, drunk driving, reckless driving, and speeding. He emphasized that the rising number of cases represents a growing public health problem that needs immediate attention.
Lifestyle-Related Diseases Remain a Concern
The DOH also highlighted non-communicable diseases, recording 422 cases and 12 deaths during the same period, seven of which were due to acute strokes. Secretary Herbosa encouraged the public to adopt healthier lifestyles, noting that many of these illnesses, such as hypertension and diabetes, are linked to lifestyle choices. Data showed that conditions like acute coronary syndrome, bronchial asthma, and acute stroke are most common among those aged 40 and above.
