​HEALTH Secretary Ted Herbosa said on Tuesday that stricter legislation for fireworks is needed to protect public health. ​“I’m thinking legislation might be the next step. Only trained and authorized individuals should be allowed to handle these dangerous materials. We recommend that only those with licenses be allowed to operate and sell fireworks to deter children and unqualified individuals from accessing them. Children should not handle fireworks," Herbosa said in a press conference in Marikina City. ​Herbosa said the recommendation is in line with ongoing efforts by local government units to regulate and, in some cases, ban the sale and use of firecrackers within their jurisdictions. ​Department of Health (DOH) data showed that since Dec. 21, 78 of the total 140 reported victims of fireworks-related injuries — or 58 percent — are children aged 5 to 14 years old. ​The DOH encouraged families to use safer noise-making alternatives for welcoming the New Year. ​“Education is our best tool. We urge parents, teachers, and village officials to remind children and teenagers to stay away from firecrackers,” Herbosa added. ​The DOH said several Metro Manila cities have designated safe fireworks zones. ​On Sunday, a 12-year-old boy in Manila died due to a firecracker-related injury. ​The Manila Police District said it is still tracing the source of the prohibited firecracker. ​“We catch unlicensed vendors every year, but the cycle continues. Stronger laws would help break this pattern,” said Marikina Police Chief Col. Jenny Tecson. ​Herbosa said that due to socio-cultural factors, it would be a challenge to impose a total firecracker ban. ​“It’s a deeply rooted tradition. Changing behavior requires persistent information drives and community engagement,” Herbosa said.