ILOILO – For the first time since the Galing Pook Awards’ inception on Oct. 21, 1993, Iloilo province has bagged the prestigious award this year.
The provincial government’s “Mobilizing Communities through People-Centered Zero Open Defecation (ZOD) Movement towards Sustainable Sanitation” was spotlighted as a 2023 Galing Pook Awardee on Thursday, Oct. 12, in Pasay City.
Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) head Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon, Provincial Health Officer 1 Dr. Wendel Marcelo, and Provincial Population Office head Atty. Ruel Von Superio were present to accept the award on behalf of Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. from Galing Pook chairperson Mel Sarmiento and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr.
A day before the awarding, Defensor personally met with the Galing Pook evaluators for the final presentation and panel interview.
Galing Pook is known for recognizing, supporting, and promoting innovation, sustainability, citizen empowerment, and excellence in local governance.
“Nagapasalamat kita kay una nakasulod lang kita sa finals. Para sa aton daog na kita sina basta ara ka na sa Top 17. Daku na nga bagay nga ginpili ikaw sang Galing Pook as one of the best practices,” said Defensor.
Defensor emphasized the complexity of attaining the ZOD status (Level 1) across all of Iloilo’s 1,721 barangays, making it the country’s first ZOD province.
“While the program might not seem glamorous at first glance, its importance cannot be understated. I’m delighted that Galing Pook recognized our efforts,” Defensor said.
According to the governor, this achievement is a testament to the community, particularly every household that adjusted their behavior towards cleanliness, orderliness, and proper use of comfort rooms.
Iloilo’s ZOD Movement may be replicated in whole PH
Abalos has shown interest in adopting the provincial government’s best practices on ZOD in other regions. Other governors and LCEs echoed this sentiment, expressing hope to benchmark against the province.
“Damo gid naghambal nga judges didto and even Secretary Abalos that this is worth replicating in the entire nation. And former DILG secretary Sarmiento praises our program, highlighting the size of our province and our unique achievement of being the country’s first-ever to reach zero open defecation. We’ve genuinely inspired them,” said Quiñon.
Quiñon was overjoyed, especially given the hard work and dedication shown by health workers and sanitation inspectors in promoting ZOD on the ground.
Annually, the provincial government earmarks P5 million for the program, primarily to fund the procurement of toilets for households.
“Siempre gusto man naton nga magsunod man sila. Imagine the support; it’s become a movement. That’s our strategy, and it hinges on community mobilization,” Quiñon added.
On the heels of this recognition, Quiñon extended her gratitude to all who backed the movement. She remains hopeful that Iloilo will soon reach Grade 2 status, ensuring individual household toilets and eliminating sharing.
Treñas congratulates Iloilo province
Although the Iloilo City Government’s entry didn’t clinch the award, Mayor Jerry Treñas expressed his pride and acknowledged his team’s dedication to the Iloilo City Sports Academy project.
“While we might not have secured the Galing Pook Award, standing as one of the 17 finalists from a pool of numerous LGUs in the Philippines is a testament to our commitment and hard work. This experience serves as a catalyst for us to enhance our efforts next year,” said Treñas.
He extended his congratulations to Defensor and emphasized that such recognitions inspire local governments to elevate their service standards.
“The Galing Pook Award is akin to the Oscars for LGUs in our nation. Our aim will always be to design and deliver innovative, inclusive, and easily adaptable programs for our community. Kudos to Gov. Art Defensor Jr., the entire Iloilo province, and all the laureates. Your success will guide and motivate us,” said Treñas./PN
