In an ardent desire to shield Davao Oriental residents from various diseases, the provincial government of Davao Oriental, through the Integrated Provincial Health Office, held its first Provincial Sanitation Summit and took part in the celebration of World Toilet Day 2019, with the theme “Toilet for All: Leaving Nobody Behind.”

Dr. Joy Sanico, PHO I, undercored the necessity of toilets for every household in the province as it is one of the most effective ways of shunning away from various diseases, including Polio.  

The reason why the government has been holding a search for barangays with best sanitation practices and as a way to also ignite strong participation of all stakeholders in ensuring gains for the program.

As such, the Provincial Government recently conferred a Plaque of Appreciation and P5,000 cash prize to the barangays with best sanitation practices. These barangays were Barangay Luzon and Monseratt in the municipality of Governor Generoso, Barangay Sanghay in the City of Mati, Barangay Lamiawan in the municipality of Caraga, Barangay Magsaysay  in the municipality of Lupon, and Barangay Cabancalan and Caganganan in the municipality of Banaybanay.

Conferred also with the Plaque of Recognition and still with P5,000 for their successful compliance to the Zero Open Defecation program were Barangay Sibajay in the municipality of Boston , Barangay Dapnan and Mikit in the municipality of Baganga, Barangay San Miguel in the municipality of Caraga, Barangay Cambaleon in the municipality of San Isidro, Barangay Upper Tibanban in the municipality of Governor Generoso, Barangay San Jose in the municipality of Lupon, and Barangay San Ignacio in the municipality of Manay.

Dr. Joy Sanico added that the said barangays “really went out of their ways to achieve zero defecation.”

“It means that all the households in the barangays have sanitary toilets. And I am commending the efforts of the barangays in complying to the program as evident with the construction of their toilets. If these small barangays were able to do it, the other barangays are now being challenged to comply,” she said.

Sanico also recognized the political will of the barangays, the huge efforts of the health officers, barangay health workers, and barangay sanitary inspectors, which greatly complemented the efforts of the provincial government to push its thrust in creating healthy communities in the province.

Barangay Lamiawan Punong Barangay Virgilio Benaning admitted that they had a difficulty in their initial implementation of the program years back.

“It was difficult at first, but we explained to our constituents the benefits that we can get from the best practices, and eventually they understood that everything is for our own good. Of course, as officials, we have to follow our rules and set a good example to them,” he explained.

Punong Barangay Andy Monday of Barangay Dapnan emphasized that the first intervention of the barangay was their cooperation and support to the program through the allocation of fund. 

“The construction of comfort rooms entailed budget, and so we looked for ways to implement the program even with budget constraints. Now, we have a yearly allocation for the program,” he disclosed.

Topics discussed in the two-day activity included Philippine Sustainable Sanitation Roadmap, Role of Government Officials on I-Wash and Solid Waste Management, Climate Change Adaptation and Health, Zero Open Defecation Program and Regional Search for Barangays with Best Sanitation Practices, Major Fields of Environmental Sanitation, Policy and Guidelines on Comprehensive Water Sanitation and Hygiene in Schools Program.

Dr. Sanico added that the output of the summit was the formulation of a Water Safety Plan as water is one vital components of the program.

Governor Nelson Dayanghirang has always been consistent in making health services as one of his priority agenda as stipulated in the provincial Executive and Legislative Agenda (ELA).

Speakers during the activity included Engr. Antonietta Ebol, DOH Regional Coordinator, Engr. Gloria Raut, and Engr. Rex Labadia. The activity was under the supervision of Dr. Herminigilda Nartates, Provincial Health Officer II.

The Summit, which was participated by health officers, barangay sanitary inspectors, provincial department heads and employees, was held on Nov. 19-20, 2019 at Honey’s Hotel and Restaurant, Matiao, City of Mati. By Neela Duallo/Photos by Eden Jhan Licayan