BACOLOD City — The Provincial Government of Negros Occidental has formally recognized the Municipality of Valladolid and its 16 barangays as a Certified Zero Open Defecation (ZOD) local government unit, marking a significant milestone in the province’s public health and sanitation campaign.
Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, together with Provincial Health Officer Dr. Girlie Pinongan, led the awarding ceremony held in Valladolid on May 13, commending the municipality for its sustained efforts to eliminate open defecation through strengthened collaboration between provincial and local government units.
Lacson said the recognition reflects Valladolid’s commitment to improving public health standards and promoting sustainable sanitation practices in communities.
Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz II said the Provincial Government initiated the construction of 400 toilet superstructures and provided 400 toilet bowls in July 2025 in support of the program.
He added that the Municipality of Valladolid provided 400 septic tanks as its counterpart, completing the sanitation project in May 2026.
Valladolid Mayor Ricardo Presbitero Jr. thanked the provincial government for its continued support, saying the assistance significantly strengthened the town’s health and sanitation initiatives.
Lacson emphasized that the province remains committed to achieving Zero Open Defecation status across Negros Occidental, in line with the Provincial Integrated Safe Water Program and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6, which promotes access to clean water and sanitation.
The ZOD program aims to eliminate open defecation by ensuring that households have access to sanitary toilets and proper waste disposal systems, helping prevent disease and improve environmental health conditions.
The provincial government has been actively implementing the initiative through the construction of sanitation facilities and the distribution of toilet bowls and septic tanks to beneficiary communities across the province.
The 16 barangays of Valladolid recognized under the program are Alijis, Ayungon, Bagumbayan, Batuan, Bayabas, Central Tabao, Doldol, Guintorilan, Lacaron, Mabini, Pacol, Palaka, Paloma, Poblacion, Sagua Banua, and Tabao Proper.
Officials and stakeholders also signed a commitment pledge to sustain the ZOD program, reinforcing efforts to maintain proper sanitation and keep communities free from open defecation./PN
