MANILA, Philippines — Despite the annual rise in firework-related injuries (FWRI) during New Year celebrations, the Department of Health (DOH) has recorded a 9.8 percent decline compared to 2024.

Data collected from December 22, 2024, to January 2, 2025, shows 534 cases of FWRI, down from 592 the previous year.

Kwitis and boga remain the leading causes of FWRI. According to DOH surveillance from 62 sentinel sites, 90 injuries were caused by kwitis and 79 by boga. The majority of victims, 322 cases, were individuals aged 19 years or younger, with 254 actively handling fireworks.

The Philippine General Hospital (PGH) documented 17 FWRI cases, including three amputations. Meanwhile, Tondo Medical Center reported 56 cases, with 29 injuries linked to firework use while intoxicated, one of which required amputation.

DOH also reminded the public of the lifelong consequences of fireworks-related accidents. 

“Ang masamang epekto ng pagpapaputok ay panghabambuhay—putol na daliri o kamay, sunog na balat, pagkabulag at maging sakit sa baga. Kahit na bumaba ang kaso ng mga nagpapaputok at biktima nito sa salubong ng 2025, hindi natin maisasawalang bahala ang mga nasaktan at nasawi,” the DOH statement said.

Rising cases of stroke and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs)

Despite the drop in firework-related injuries, the Department of Health (DOH) remains on high alert for non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which have spiked following holiday festivities. 

Acute stroke cases saw a sharp increase from just 12 on December 23 to 146 by January 2, 2025, resulting in two fatalities. The majority of those affected were aged 45 to 64, it said.

PGH reported 140 stroke cases, while Tondo Medical Center recorded 41. Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) cases also climbed from two on December 22 to 74 as of January 2, predominantly affecting individuals aged 55 to 74, the DOH noted.

Bronchial asthma incidents linked to firework smoke rose from six on December 22 to 80 by January 2, primarily among children aged 0 to 9 years. PGH reported 46 asthma cases, while Tondo Medical Center noted 11.

Healthier choices in 2025

The health department likewise urged the public to prioritize healthier lifestyles in 2025 following the rising incidents of stroke and NCDs.

“Start the year right and make better choices for health—tamang pagkain, ehersisyo at disiplina sa katawan ay dapat gawin para maiwasan ang malalang sakit,” the DOH advised.