Zero firecracker casualty in Baguio, Ifugao, Benguet, Mt. Province during New Year revelry

Baguio City welcomed a new year without a single firecracker victim, a first in the city's history, according to the Cordillera Center for Health and Development.

"First time po na zero casualty tayo dito sa Baguio kaya tuwang-tuwa kami dahil epektibo ang aming kampanya," said Joselito Datud, chief nurse of the Baguio General Hospital Medical Center, in a Balitanghali report by Katrina Son on Tuesday.

Residents and tourists alike gathered at the Melvin Jones Grandstand in Burnham Park for the New Year 2019 countdown and to witness the colorful fireworks display.

The local government encouraged everyone to participate in the event instead of using firecrackers.

Police officers also provided security assistance.

Ifugao, Benguet, and Mountain Province also had zero casualty in the New Year revelry.

Seven firecracker-related injuries, however, were recorded in Abra; one in Kalinga; and one in Apayao. The use of the firecracker kwitis was the primary reason. —Dona Magsino/KBK, GMA News