The Department of Health said that all hospitals across the country would be on "high alert" to cater to all injuries and emergencies that may occur during the New Year's celebration.

"This coming New Year, all of our hospitals will be on 'high alert' all individuals with injuries and emergencies that could happen," Health officer-in-charge and Undersecretary Maria Rosario Singh-Vergeire said in a statement over the weekend.

Vergeire noted that the Health Department would monitor hospitals to ensure their readiness to attend to fireworks-related injuries and other emergencies.

Among the hospitals that she will be visiting along with other Health officials are Las Piñas Trauma Center, Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center, East Avenue Medical Center and Amang Rodriguez Medical Center.

She also reminded the public through the department's "Iwas Paputok" campaign to practice the safe observance of the holidays by avoiding the use of firecrackers and promoting alternative means of celebrating the New Year.

"Families and individuals are strongly encouraged to avoid purchasing and using fireworks this holiday season and instead observe fireworks displays from afar or ones that are professionally prepared and organized," she said.

Vergeire said that families may celebrate the holiday by alternatively utilizing loud noises from other sources such as loudspeakers, horns, percussion, pans, and pots among many others for a safer and more joyous holiday celebration.

The Health chief also called on the local government units and private sectors to join and support the campaign to help reduce the number of firework-related injuries and casualties.

"Through this mobilization, our partner can help in promoting alternative and safer ways of celebrating the holiday season," she said.

Vergeire assured the public that the Health Department will remain vigilant against the spread of Covid-19 and other forms of health emergency through its monitoring and conducting surveillance activities of the situation on the ground.

Earlier this year, the Health Department reported a total of 153 fireworks-related injuries, which is 32 percent higher compared to 2020 when the country only reported 116 cases.