‘IWASAN ti four M tatta—Matatamis, Matataba, Mamantika, ken Maaalat’ – Kalinga PHO reminds public on health and safety amid holiday feasts

Tabuk City, Kalinga – To ensure a safe and joyful Christmas celebration, the Kalinga Provincial Health Office (PHO), headed by Dr. Edward Tandingan, has urged the public to practice discipline, moderation, and safety, warning that failure to heed health reminders may result in unnecessary accidents and medical emergencies during the Yuletide season.

As part of the health sector’s continuing efforts to protect the well-being of iKalingas amid increased festivities, travel, and social gatherings during Christmas and the upcoming New Year, the PHO II and Provincial Blood Council chairman shared various health and safety reminders with the public.

“…ket ti iyunay-unay mi nga agapo ti sector ti salun-at ket diay discipline, moderation, and safety. Daytoy ti i-remind mi para iti natalged ken naragsak nga panagselebrar iti panawen ti Paskua,” Tandingan said.

Health reminders

One of the key reminders emphasized by Dr. Tandingan is to limit the intake of the “4Ms”—Matatamis, Maaalat, Matataba, and Mamantika—as excessive consumption may lead to health problems such as high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, weight gain, and an increased risk of heart disease.

“Tapnu ligtas ti holiday season, umun-una diay panag-iwas tayo iti labis wenno sobra nga pannangan. Ado ti makan nu Paskua ngem saan koma nga excuse dayta tapno mangan iti ad-adu pay ngem ti kasansan. Limitaran tayo dagiti 4Ms nga makunkuna,” he said.

Moderation in alcohol intake was also stressed, along with avoiding smoking. The PHO further warned that although vaping has become a trend among adolescents, it carries health risks similar to those associated with smoking.

Dr. Tandingan also reminded individuals with hypertension to continue taking their maintenance medications, noting that blood pressure may worsen if treatment is discontinued even when readings appear normal. Asthma patients were likewise advised to maintain their medications and avoid known triggers.

“Importante pay ti panang-mentenar iti blood pressure. Ado ti high blood ditoy probinsya ti Kalinga, isu nga saan koma tayo nga isardeng ti maintenance nga agas tayo. Ta uray nu normal ti blood pressure, no haan tayo nga itultuloy ti panagtumar iti agas, mabalin nga ad-adda pay a nakarkaro ti ngumato,” he explained.

Firecracker-related accidents

The PHO also advised the public to avoid the use of firecrackers due to the risk of accidents, recommending that if communities or families persist, they should only set them off in safe and designated areas.

Data from the Department of Health–Cordillera, as reported by PIA-Cordillera, showed that fireworks-related injuries increased by 22 percent, from 41 cases in 2023 to 50 cases during the monitoring period from December 21, 2024 to January 6, 2025. These included 49 firecracker-related injuries and one stray bullet case involving a 16-year-old girl from Tabuk City, Kalinga.

With child firecracker injuries on the rise, parents were urged to closely supervise their children and promote safer ways of celebrating the holidays.

Meanwhile, amid unpredictable incidents that may occur during Christmas and New Year’s Eve, the PHO expressed hope that these advisories would help ensure joyful celebrations free from preventable health risks and accidents for the iKalingas.