A total of 310 households from six barangays of E. B. Magalona now don't have to resort to open defecation, after officially receiving individual sanitary toilets on Monday, January 30, 2023.

Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and Mayor Marvin Malacon led the ceremonial turnover of the 310 sanitary toilet facilities to the beneficiaries at rites held at Hacienda Alicante of Barangay Pasil.

Malacon lauded the project as this will significantly help eradicate cholera and other water-borne cases in the municipality.

The mayor thanked the Provincial Government for constantly looking after the welfare of Saraviahanons by giving them worthwhile projects.

The number of beneficiary households are: Barangays Pasil - 164 families, Alacaygan- 46, Alicante - 43, Nanca- 28, Tanza- 23, and Cudangdang- 6.

The implementation of the project in E. B. Magalona is jointly sponsored by the Provincial Government and the Municipal Government.

The Provincial Government sponsored the structure and the labor, while the Municipal Government bought the septic tanks.

The turnover was its first in the 3rd District, as the Provincial Government, through its Provincial Integrated Safe Water Program, aims to reach its target of having "zero open defecation" in Negros Occidental.

The project also aims to contribute towards achieving safe water supply and water security, in the face of cholera and other water-borne diseases.

In his speech, Lacson lauded Malacon, saying E. B. Magalona was the first LGU in the 3rd District to avail of this project as the mayor was easier to deal with, and always ready to pledge his support.

Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz II, also the action officer of the Provincial Integrated Safe Water Council, said the toilet facilities also protect the welfare and dignity of women, for now they can answer the call of nature in the comfort of their homes.

Pasil Punong Barangay Sharen Belen urged her constituents to take good care of the toilets as their way of appreciating the project.

Lucia Borres of Hacienda Alicante, for her part, encouraged her fellow beneficiaries to make cleanliness as their way of life, including making their toilets sanitary.

Lacson and Malacon, accompanied by other officials, also led the ceremonial inspection of the facilities, by going to the new toilet of beneficiary Roblito Jamora Jr., whose house is situated nearby.

Other officials who attended the ceremonial turnover were Vice Mayor Eric Matulac, and Sangguniang Bayan Members Edgardo Agravante Jr., Jovie Madayag, Reylan Gamboa Sr., Joey Pugales, and Isidro Gomed Jr.

Joining them were Provincial Health Officer Dr. Ernell Tumimbang, PHO Infectious Diseases Cluster head Dr. Rowell Gerzon, Municipal Planning and Development Office head Engr. Erwin Poniado, Executive Assistant Debbie Ann Monte, Human Resource Management Office head Isabel Armila Patrata, Municipal Tourism Officer-designate Ma. Teresa Alvarez, and Municipal Police Station Acting Chief, Police Major Kenneth Jay Gratones, barangay officials and beneficiaries.*

E. B. MAGALONA PIO