Eastern Visayas Health Leaders Unite to Launch Comprehensive ‘Ligtas Christmas’ Campaign in Tacloban

Tacloban City — The Department of Health (DOH) Eastern Visayas Center for Health Development (CHD), through its Health Promotion Unit (HPU), successfully launched the “Ligtas Christmas Campaign” on December 10 in Tacloban City. This important initiative aims to ensure safe, healthy, and responsible celebrations across the region this year.

The event was led by Dr. Fidelita D. Dico, the Local Health Support Division Chief. The success of the launch highlighted a strong commitment to public welfare, bringing together key units within the DOH, including the Health Emergency Management Services (HEMS), the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU), and the Environmental and Occupational Health Unit (EOHU).

The campaign emphasizes a deep multi-sectoral commitment, uniting governmental and local partners to address the various risks associated with the holidays. Partner agencies present included the DILG Region VIII, the DTI Region VIII, and the DENR–EMB Region VIII. Additionally, law enforcement and public safety represented by the Police Regional Office VIII and the Bureau of Fire Protection Region VIII. Agencies focused on wellness and public information, such as the National Nutrition Council Region VIII, the Land Transportation Office Region VIII, and the Philippine Information Agency Region VIII, also played important roles.

The commitment extends to the grassroots level, as the event successfully brought together representatives from the City Health Office of Tacloban, various Sangguniang Barangay members of Tacloban, and provincial representatives, reflecting broad regional support.

The Ligtas Christmas Campaign is structured around three specific sub-campaigns designed to mitigate common holiday hazards:

BiyaHealthy ngayong Pasko, focusing on health and safety related to holiday travel and commuting; Healthy Handaan, promoting nutritious food choices and safe preparation practices for holiday feasts; and Iwas Paputok, advocating for the prevention of injuries and accidents related to firecrackers.

The DOH emphasized that the overarching goal is to celebrate the holiday season with safety, wellness, and responsibility. By actively choosing healthier options and supporting safer practices championed by this broad coalition of government agencies, citizens can ensure they have a truly Ligtas Christmas 2025.