ILOILO City – The Department of Health (DOH) is targeting the declaration of zero open defecation (ZOD) status for all barangays across Panay Island and Guimaras before 2028, Western Visayas’ goal for a full ZOD certification.
As of 2023, 85.6% or 2,902 out of 3,390 barangays in Region 6, have already achieved ZOD status, according to Dennar Jun Romey, medical technologist and Environment and Occupational Health Program manager of DOH in the region.
Achieving ZOD status is critical for improving sanitation and maintaining a healthy population. According to Romey, it prevents water source contamination by ensuring the proper containment, storage, treatment, and disposal of human waste. This reduces the risk of diseases like cholera, typhoid, and skin ailments.
In observance of World Toilet Day yesterday, DOH Region 6 vowed to ensure that all households have access to toilets.
“There’s only a small gap left to cover before we can declare Region 6 as a ZOD-certified region,” Romey told Panay News.
The following are the ZOD accomplishments by province (as of 2023):
* Aklan – 95.72%
* Antique – 43.56%
* Capiz – 94.93%
* Guimaras – 72.45%
* Iloilo City – 50.28%
* Iloilo Province – 100% (achieved in 2022)
Romey said the original target for 2025 was 56.65% ZOD compliance. However, the region has already surpassed that, achieving 85.6%.
This accomplishment is expected to grow further in 2024 with sustained efforts from local chief executives (LCEs), he added.
DOH Region 6 provides technical assistance to local government units (LGUs) by offering guidelines and procedures for achieving ZOD certification.
Additionally, financial aid is extended to low-income municipalities to procure toilet facilities.
“Sustainable sanitation is integral to creating a healthy environment that supports a healthy population. Preventing fecal contamination of water sources is one of the key objectives,” Romey said.
He expressed gratitude to LCEs, partner agencies, and sanitation inspectors for their support. Sanitation inspectors visit households to verify the availability of toilet facilities./PN
