The Department of Health (DOH) released a sobering report detailing a range of injuries and health incidents that occurred during the Christmas week, highlighting significant public safety concerns. The monitoring period covered December 21 to 27, 2025.
Fireworks Injuries and Road Crash Statistics
According to the DOH, 91 fireworks-related injuries were recorded nationwide during the week-long celebration. The National Capital Region (Metro Manila) accounted for the highest number with 40 cases. This was followed by the Ilocos Region with 10 incidents and Western Visayas with 8.
The report identified that the majority of these victims were males between the ages of 10 and 14. The most common culprits behind the injuries were illegal or improperly used fireworks such as 5-star, boga, kwitis, and pla-pla.
In a separate but equally alarming dataset, the health agency monitored 331 cases of road crashes within the same period. The regions of Cagayan Valley (Region 2), Calabarzon (Region 4-A), and Bicol (Region 5) reported the highest incidence.
A deep dive into the road crash data reveals troubling patterns: 73% of the incidents involved motorcycles, a staggering 83% of the victims were not using any safety accessories like helmets, and 12% of the cases involved intoxicated individuals. The most affected demographic was males aged 20 to 24.
Other Health Emergencies and Mental Health Calls
The week also saw a number of critical health emergencies. The DOH tracked 105 cases of acute stroke or brain attack and 42 cases of acute coronary syndrome or heart attack. Additionally, there were 21 reported cases of bronchial asthma.
The health agency noted that conditions like stroke and heart attack were more prevalent among males, while bronchial asthma cases were more common among females.
On the mental health front, the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) received 543 calls related to psychological concerns. The volume of calls peaked on December 23. The data shows that young adults aged 18 to 30 were the most frequent callers, followed by the 31 to 43 age group.
The majority of the callers were female. The primary reasons cited for reaching out included symptoms of anxiety and depression, problems in love and relationships, and family-related issues.
Implications and Public Health Reminders
This comprehensive report from the DOH serves as a critical reminder of the heightened health and safety risks during holiday seasons. The concentration of injuries among young males, particularly from fireworks and road accidents, points to specific areas where public awareness and enforcement campaigns need strengthening.
The significant number of mental health calls underscores the emotional and psychological pressures that can accompany the holiday period, highlighting the continued importance of accessible mental health support services for Filipinos.
