NEGROS Occidental — The Provincial Government of Negros Occidental (PGNO) continues to strengthen public health and agricultural resilience as it advances sanitation programs in Valladolid and extends financial assistance to calamity-affected farmers in La Castellana.
In Valladolid, the municipality has completed 371 household toilets under the Zero Open Defecation (ZOD) Campaign through the province’s Safe Water Program.
The initiative seeks to improve sanitation standards, prevent waterborne diseases, and protect water sources by ensuring households have access to safe and sanitary toilet facilities.
In a social media post, PGNO said 29 additional toilets are currently under construction across 13 barangays. Once completed, Valladolid is expected to officially attain ZOD status — a significant public health milestone that ensures universal access to proper sanitation.
Meanwhile, in La Castellana, more than P700,000 worth of agricultural inputs were distributed on February 16 to farmers affected by recent calamities.
The assistance package included certified seeds, fertilizers, and other farm supplies aimed at restoring damaged crops and reviving local food production.
The distribution was led by Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, together with La Castellana Mayor Añejo Nicor and Officer-in-Charge Provincial Agriculturist Dina Genzola.
The agricultural aid forms part of the province’s Disaster Risk Reduction Program on Climate Resiliency, implemented through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist in coordination with affected local government units.
Governor Lacson emphasized the provincial government’s continuing commitment to protect vulnerable sectors, particularly farmers who are often hardest hit by extreme weather events.
“Our goal is not only to provide immediate assistance but also to strengthen long-term resilience,” Lacson said, underscoring efforts to help farmers rebuild, sustain their livelihoods, and contribute to the province’s food security./PN
