DBPH Admin2 
(L-R) DOH – Ilocos Regional Director Paula Paz M. Sydiongco, Dagupan Vice Mayor Dean Bryan L. Kua, DOH Assistant Secretary Mylene M. Beltran, Dagupan City Health Officer Ophelia T. Rivera and Dagupan City Chief of Police LtCol Brendan B. Palisoc leads the cutting of ribbon to mark the start of the “Ligtas Christmas” Campaign held in Dagupan City on December 13, 2024. (Photo courtesy of PIA Pangasinan)
THE Department of Health (DOH) – Ilocos Region yesterday marked the start of holiday season through the launching of the “Ligtas X’mas 2024” campaign in Dagupan City which aims to guide Filipinos on simple and feasible ways to celebrate the coming Christmas season healthy and safely through the theme “Pamilyang Patok ‘Pag Kumpleto at Ligtas!”.
Guest of Honor and Assistant Secretary Mylene M. Beltran said that this year’s campaign emphasized the importance of keeping the family healthy and safe by encouraging the public to choose healthier options during feasts and similar activities for a “Healthy Handaan”, planning safe trips and vacation through “ByaHealthy”, and encouraging the public to use alternative options for merry-making and watching fireworks display in a common community area to promote “Iwas Paputok” activities thus preventing fireworks-related injuries.
“Gawin po nating gabay ang “T-E-D” – T-amang pagkain, kasama dito ang preparation ng healthy foods; E-hersisyo at least 30 minutes a day to keep our body fit and healthy; at D- isiplina, in everything we do to stay fit and healthy gaya ng healthy lifestyle choices at managing habits and making conscious decisions to prioritize wellbeing,” she stated.
To further strengthen the “Ligtas X’Mas” campaign, an Ordinance on “Iwas Paputok” for Dagupan City was signed and supported by the twenty-one (21) barangays that were declared as zero-case fireworks-related injuries for 2023-2024.
Also, partner agencies and local officials signed a Pledge of Commitment to ensure the implementation of the “Ligtas X’Mas” activities for the health and safety of all.
Regional Director Paula Paz M. Sydiongco reminded the public to prioritize the health and safety of their families by taking part in the DOH’s health programs and activities.
“Ang mga programa po ng DOH ay para po sa ating kaligtasan at kalusugan kaya’t atin po itong tangkilikin at ibahagi po natin ito sa ating pamilya, kaibigan at komunidad upang ang ating celebrations ngayong Pasko ay maging ligtas at masaya dahil sa Bagong Pilipinas, lahat tayo ay mahalaga!”, she accentuated.
As part of the campaign, the regional office in partnership with the Region I Medical Center, Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Center Dagupan, Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center, and Dagupan City Health Office likewise conducted the “Pinggang Pinoy Panalo sa Pasko” Cooking Contest and participated by Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS) on December 12, 2024 to highlight the importance of food preparation and healthy diet.
The activity is a culminating activity for this year’s DOH People-centered Activity for Ilocos Region,
