In preparation for the holiday season, the Department of Health (DOH) placed hospitals nationwide under Code White until 6 January.

"All our hospitals are put on alert status," DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa said during a press conference at the Philippine Heart Center (PHC) on Monday, 22 December.

"[Hospitals] will have to make sure that there are adequate personnel, doctors, nurses, because it's an alert level," Herbosa said.

A Code White Alert means that all public hospitals and health facilities are ready to respond to potential health emergencies during events such as holidays or natural disasters.

Firecracker-related injuries

Herbosa said they are hoping that firecracker-related injuries would be lessened this year, noting that there were 843 cases this year.

This is 38 percent higher compared to 2023 and 2024. Herbosa also noted that most of the victims of firecrackers are children.

"Most of those injured by fireworks are aged 10 to 14 years old," he added.

According to the Health chief, the top firecracker injuries in the Philippines involved kwitis, 5-Star, boga (PVC pipe canon), and whistle bomb.

To avoid firecracker-related injuries, Herbosa just urged the public to participate in community fireworks instead.

"I think it's important to let's just join community fireworks and let those professionals do it," he said.

"I think there are also local government units that put up ordinances banning the firing of firecrackers in front of their house. So I think this is a good sign," he added.