As of the start of 2025, the Cordillera region saw 25 firecracker-related injuries (FWRI), according to the local Department of Health (DOH) regional office.
According to DOH-Cordillera Communications Management Unit head Genee Austria, the tally of injuries was largely occupied by cases of injury due to the infamous “boga,” an improvised device that uses denatured alcohol to produce an explosive sound. As boga are largely homemade and shoddily constructed, the device is often prone to injuring its users.
Twelve of the 25 cases in the entire region were from bogas, according to Austria, with the other cases being due to various sorts of more traditional fireworks.
From December 21, 2024, to January 1, 2025, Abra recorded the highest number of fireworks-related injuries at eight, followed by Baguio City, five; Apayao, Benguet and Kalinga with three each; Mountain Province, two and Ifugao, one.
Injuries included eye trauma, blast or burn injuries without amputation, and one case each of multiple injuries and severe injuries leading to amputation.
However, while there were still 25 injuries this year, the number has gone down from the previous year, which saw a total of 41 injuries.
Austria highlighted that children’s curiosity, paired with online access to instructions, has contributed to the injuries.
“Families play a vital role in monitoring children, especially during this festive season,” she emphasized.
