• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
All the 16 barangays of Valladolid in Negros Occidental have been certified as zero open defecation (ZOD) compliant.
In his letter to Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II, Mayor Ricardo Presbitero considers it a public health milestone as he attributed the successful implementation to the collaborative efforts between the Negros Occidental provincial government and the local government unit of Valladolid.
In July last year, the provincial government started constructing 400 toilet superstructures and distributing 400 toilet bowls to beneficiary households in Valladolid.
The initiative was complemented by the municipal government by providing 400 septic tanks as its counterpart contribution.
“The achievement marks a major step forward in improving sanitation, public health, and environmental safety for communities across the municipality,” Presbitero said.
After months of coordinated work and community participation, the sanitation project was successfully completed in May 2026, leading to the municipality’s ZOD compliance declaration.
Diaz said the initiative is part of the broader effort to promote safe sanitation practices and improve the quality of life of Negrenses throughout the province. | GB
