TUMANDOK CARES FOR A HEALTHY COMMUNITY

EB Magalona barangays recognized for outstanding sanitation practices

BY: JOEL P. JAQUINTA

Three barangays of EB Magalona were recognized by the Department of Health (DOH) for achieving Zero Open Defecation (ZOD) status. Awarded with the prize amounting to PHP20,000 each were Brgy. Poblacion 1 headed by Punong Barangay Jovy Escala, Brgy. Poblacion 2 headed by Punong Barangay Rolando Banasig and Brgy. Poblacion 3 headed by Punong Barangay Gerald Lopez. The said barangays passed the criteria for ZOD-certification after undergoing assessment and validation of the team from the DOH.

Mayor Marvin M. Malacon extended his congratulations to the awardees and reiterated the Municipal Government’s commitment to support the ZOD program of the DOH. He also emphasized his administration’s thrust to further improve health and sanitation programs, in support of his “TUMANDOK CARES Development Agenda.

The ZOD program is being promoted by the DOH and other partner agencies as one of the major strategies to scale up local sanitation development in line with the DOH National Sustainable Sanitation Plan (NSSP).

Open defecation can pollute the environment and cause health problems. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the UNICEF, high levels of open defecation are linked to high child mortality, poor nutrition, poverty, and large disparities between rich and poor.