WHAT Western Visayas has achieved in public sanitation is nothing short of inspiring. With 74.73 percent of its barangays reaching Zero Open Defecation (ZOD) status, the region sets a benchmark in public health and environmental stewardship.
Particularly noteworthy is Iloilo, the first province not only in the region but across the country to be conferred with ZOD Grade 1 status. These milestones reflect a concerted effort by local governments, backed by the Department of Health (DOH), to ensure that no resident has to resort to open defecation, thus safeguarding public health and dignity.
The benefits of achieving ZOD status are immense and well-documented. Eliminating open defecation cuts down the transmission of many infectious diseases, including cholera and hepatitis, which are spread through contaminated water and food. According to DOH Region 6, comprehensive strategies have been rolled out, which involve not just infrastructure development but also significant educational campaigns and substantial financial support to local government units. This manifold approach has clearly paid dividends, as seen in the transformation across several LGUs.
However, while celebrating these achievements, it is crucial to discuss what lies ahead. The journey from ZOD to sustainable sanitation (Grade 3) requires not just maintaining current standards but also building on them. Achieving Grade 2 or Basic Sanitation level, where 100 percent of households use sanitary toilets and have access to water and soap nearby, is the next immediate goal. The guidelines are clear but the challenges are complex.
Infrastructure is just one part of the equation. Ensuring the availability of water and soap at or near every toilet, safe disposal of excreta, and the availability of sanitary toilets in all schools and government institutions requires continuous funding and innovative solutions. For instance, Iloilo’s allocating P5 million annually to provide toilet bowls for households in remote barangays could be replicated across the region.
Achieving Grade 3, or Sustainable Sanitation, involves an even broader spectrum of requirements, including comprehensive waste management systems and water quality management plans. It necessitates a robust approach combining public policy, community engagement, and environmental management.
There must be a sustained commitment from all stakeholders. The government must continue to provide substantial support, both financially and technically. Local communities need to be engaged actively not just as beneficiaries but as participants in maintaining local sanitation facilities. Education campaigns should be ongoing to reinforce the behavioral changes necessary for these initiatives to succeed.
Western Visayas offers a blueprint for other regions. With sufficient commitment and resources, significant public health outcomes are achievable. Now, the region must not only preserve these gains but also build upon them, ensuring that every stride towards eradicating open defecation is a step towards a healthier, more sustainable future.
