The Department of Health Bicol Center for Health Development (DOH Bicol CHD) called for the support and cooperation of the public and health partners in the implementation of Zero Open Defecation (ZOD) Program across the region.
This is in pursuit of attaining more than 89.09% of target households in Bicol have access to safe and adequate basic sanitation facility, and municipalities/cities are declared as ZOD.
During the Press Conference held in Virac, Catanduanes on March 6, 2025, Engr. Lea Angela Romero-Castillo, Environmental Health Regional Program Manager revealed that in 2024, 75.45% of households have access to basic sanitation facility.
Additionally, 15.54% of municipalities/cities were declared as ZOD. This is a 9.40% increase from the 6.14% recorded in 2023.
The Department of Health (DOH) continues in providing funding assistance to local government units (LGUs) for the implementation of the sanitation program and installation of household toilet facilities for their selected recipients.
DOH Bicol CHD encourages the public to promote health by participating and practicing environmental health initiatives and programs across the region. (DOH5/NRB)
(Source: DOH Bicol CHD)