The Negros Occidental provincial government on Wednesday feted barangays, local government units (LGUs), and other environmental health and sanitation services champions who have particularly strengthened the province’s zero open defecation (ZOD) campaign.

At the awarding ceremony held at Negros Residences here, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said the committed efforts of the awardees will serve as an inspiration to other cities and municipalities to remain committed to the goal of having basic toilet facilities in every Negrense household.

“Let us continue to help and empower Negrense families by helping them find solutions to their sanitation problems,” he said.

A total of 94 awards and recognitions were given to those who have significantly contributed to the implementation of the public health programs of the Provincial Health Office (PHO).

Among these are Talisay City, which received a special award for its innovative initiatives and outstanding commitment to promoting and sustaining environmentally friendly practices that contribute to a cleaner, greener and healthier community.

The municipalities of Pulupandan and Valladolid were awarded for having the highest number of ZOD declared barangays for 2025.

Also honored were the sanitary inspection services from 27 cities and municipalities.

Citing data from the United Nations, Lacson pointed out that between 2015 and 2020, population with safely managed sanitation increased from 47 percent to 54 percent.

Although the rate of basic services is increasing, he noted that it would still need to quadruple for universal coverage to be reached by 2030.

“It is for this reason that the province of Negros Occidental will continuously and diligently pursue the goal of ZOD, in line with the Provincial Integrated Safe Water Program,” he said.

Lacson said the province’s commitment aligns with its dedication to addressing the United Nations’ 6th Sustainable Goal of Clean Water and Sanitation.

In her message, Department of Health-Negros Island Region (DOH-NIR) Director Razel Nikka Hao said they commit to supporting Negros Occidental through working under the strategic pillars of Align, Access, Achieve.

“Align refers to systems and direction across LGUs, facilities, and programs. We will plan earlier, together, so we start the year with clarity rather than catching up,” she said.

The DOH-NIR will help Negros Occidental access to easier and friendlier processes to make sure people get the right care, at the right level, without unnecessary delays, she added.

“Achieve means we sustain and scale gains, using data not only to monitor, but to improve. So, improvements are felt in communities, not just in reports,” Hao said. (PNA)