Continuing its commitment to ensuring a clean and healthy environment for its residents, the Provincial Government of Misamis Oriental (PGMO) through the Provincial Health Office (PHO), remains steadfast in its cooperation with the Department of Health (DOH) towards sustainable sanitation practices across the province.
With the leadership of Governor Peter “Sr. Pedro” Unabia, PGMO has directed its focus towards implementing the Philippine Approach to Sustainable Sanitation (PhaTSS), as outlined in DOH Administrative Order No. 2019-0054, emphasizing the importance of sanitation as a cornerstone of community well-being. The overarching goal is to achieve 100% Zero Open Defecation (ZOD) in Misamis Oriental by the year 2025.
Recent initiatives have included Consultative Meetings and Action Planning sessions involving barangay councils, Rural Health Midwives, Municipal Sanitation Inspectors, and other relevant stakeholders.
A significant component of the sanitation program is the PhATSS Grade 1 Zero Open Defecation Barangay Level Validation, which evaluates the effectiveness of sanitation efforts at the barangay level. By assessing the maintenance of sanitation standards within residential areas, local government units (LGUs) can swiftly identify areas for improvement and respond effectively to enhance overall hygiene.
These efforts are outlined in the governor’s PAGLAUM Strategic Agenda particularly under Unified efforts for health and social services delivery. (by Gerry Lee Gorit)
