Health authorities in the Ilocos Region have raised Code White across all hospitals and health facilities starting Thursday, December 18, 2025, as part of preparations for the Christmas Day and New Year celebrations.

Under Code White, hospitals and rural health units activated emergency fast lanes to handle possible firecracker-related injuries during the holiday season. The Center for Health Development (CHD) Region 1 said medicines, hospital equipment, surgical tools, and other emergency supplies are now on standby in all emergency rooms.

CHD Region 1 spokesperson Dr. Rheuel Bobis said the move ensures that health facilities are ready to respond to emergencies.

“Sa Code White, sinisiguro natin na lahat ng ating health facilities, RHU, hospital ay naka-ready na tumanggap ng mga kababayan natin na nagkaroon ng injury dahil sa paputok,” he said.

Based on CHD data, the region recorded a total of 221 fireworks-related injuries from December 21, 2024 to January 6, 2025. This was 76.2 percent higher than the 126 cases logged during the same period a year earlier. As of now, CHD Ilocos said no fireworks-related injuries have been reported in the region.

Health authorities aim to keep the number of firecracker-related injuries at zero this year. The CHD is working closely with the police, who are monitoring different towns across the region.

Pangasinan Police Provincial Office information officer PCapt. Aileen Catugas reminded the public that strong firecrackers remain prohibited.

“Especially mga malalakas na uri ng paputok, bawal po ‘yun. May mga regulations po tayo na susundin,” she said.

Some residents like Alma Barongan said they plan to avoid firecrackers altogether and use safer alternatives to welcome the New Year.

“Kaldero, planggana ‘yan ang ginagamit namin… tapos manood na lang kami ng fireworks ng kapitbahay namin,” Barongan said.

Authorities also advised the public to avoid home remedies in case of firecracker injuries and to seek immediate medical attention to prevent infection.