The Davao City Health Office (CHO) reminded Dabawenyos to avoid health risks by paying attention to food and exercise, regulation of vices, road and travel safety, and fireworks safety while celebrating the holidays.
The CHO put priority on mindful food choices and exercise in its December 17, 2025 post.
“Limitahan ang 4Ms: Matamis, Maalat, Mataba, Mamantika. Mag-exercise 30–60 minutes kada araw. Dili manigarilyo o mag vape (Limit intake of sweet, salty, oily foods. Exercise 30–60 minutes per day. Do not smoke or vape),” the health office advised.
For those who are traveling, the CHO also reminded them to be “Biyahealthy” by wearing Department of Trade and Industry–approved helmets and ensuring proper helmet use at all times.
“Likay Pabuto” (Avoid Fireworks) is also the Health Office’s marching order, advising Dabawenyos to instead use safe alternative noise-making instruments or watch community fireworks displays.
The Davao City Government has also been reminding Dabawenyos of the penalties faced by violators of the fireworks ban.
The 23-year-old ordinance (City Ordinance No. 060-02) penalizes violators with a fine of Php 1,000 or imprisonment of twenty days to one month, or both, for the first offense; a fine of Php 3,000 or imprisonment of one to three months, or both, for the second offense; and a fine of Php 5,000 or imprisonment of three to six months, or both, for the third offense. A copy of the ordinance can be accessed through this link: https://bit.ly/Ord_FireCrackerBan
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It can be recalled that Davao City Acting Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte underscored that Christmas in the city is not only about celebration but also about living the values of peace, respect, and generosity that strengthen the community.
“Kita mga Dabawenyo nailhan ta nga matinabangon, disiplinado, values ang atung gina storyahan diri. Kalinaw, ilabi na pasko. So, kana dugay na nato na nga practice kaniadto pa, sinugdanan palang gyud. Ang atong perminte nga ginatagaan gyud ug importansiya—Kalinaw. Kanang kalinaw maabot rana og kabalo ta mag hinatagay, kabalo ta mulingi sa atong isig ka tao, muhatag og respeto sa atong isig ka tao. Diha magsugod tanan sa pamatasan nato, ug kung kana makuha nato, daghan pang laing butang nga musunod, makapalambo sa atong lugar (We, Dabawenyos, are known to be helpful and disciplined. We have values. We prioritize peace, especially during Christmas. That is something we have been practicing for a long time. We truly give importance to peace. Peace will come when we know how to give, care for our fellow human beings, and show respect to one another. Everything starts with our behavior, and once we achieve that, many other good things will follow that will help develop our city),” he said. CIO
