DOH, DTI promote safe and healthy Christmas

Tuguegarao City (16 December) — To ensure safe and healthy celebration of the yuletide season, the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said they are conducting massive information and dissemination campaigns on the safety rules on the use fireworks and healthy Christmas diet.

Floro Orata, the Health Education and Promotions Officer of DOH said there is a significant decrease in the number of firecracker-related incidents in Region 2 for the last five years.

The decrease in the number of firecracker blast victims was attributed to the concerted efforts of the Philippine National Police and other government agencies in the campaign for safe festivities and in support to the’Oplan Iwas-Paputok’ drive of the Department of Health (DOH).

To avoid accidents, Orata has called on the Region 2 residents to refrain from using firecrackers and use drums, horns (torotot) instead.

Orata also reminded the public to avoid eating too much. “Unhealthy diet especially with foods rich in salt, sugar and fats is the main cause of coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes, obesity and cancer.

“Be disciplined in the foods you eat, avoid foods that can harm your health and you should eat in moderation this Christmas and new year,” Orata stressed.

The DTI, through its Consumer Welfare focal person, Lourdito Antonio assured that there is no price increase especially on food products for the media noche buena.

Antonio reminded the public to be meticulous in the food products and Christmas decors they will buy. “Be vigilant against unscrupulous businessmen who will impose prices which are above the suggested retail price (SRP),” Antonio warned.

The DTI representative likewise advised the consumers to buy only quality and safe Christmas decorations specially christmas lights. He explained that the products should bear the name and address of the manufacturer, brand name, rated voltage ant wattage of set and lamps, batch or lot number the country of origin and the ICC markings.

To avoid fire, he further advised the public to avoid octopus electrical connections (a bunch of outlets crammed together) and always follow the instructions found at the label of the products. (PIA 2)