Talisay leads 2025 sanitation awards in Negros Occidental

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — Talisay City emerged as a top honoree in the 2025 Environmental Health and Sanitation Services Awarding and Recognition Ceremony after receiving a special award for its innovative programs and strong commitment to sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.

The recognition highlights Talisay City’s exemplary initiatives that contribute to maintaining a cleaner, greener, and healthier community — setting a benchmark for other local government units (LGUs) in Negros Occidental.

The awarding ceremony, held recently at the Negros Residences, was led by Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose “Bong” Lacson and spearheaded by the Provincial Health Office under Provincial Health Officer Dr. Ma. Girlie Pinongan.

The annual event honors LGUs and partners with outstanding environmental health and sanitation programs across the province.

Aside from Talisay City’s distinction, the towns of Pulupandan and Valladolid were also given special awards for having the most number of Zero Open Defecation (ZOD)-declared barangays in 2025.

The ceremony likewise recognized the best performing LGU sanitation inspectors: Rose Marie Completo of Kabankalan City, Rowena Macaya of Isabela, Frederick Davy Susana of Hinoba-an, Jenebabes Calbonera of Pontevedra, and Ma. Leonora Gamboa of Murcia.

A wide roster of ZOD-declared barangays was honored, including several from Pulupandan, Pontevedra, La Castellana, Calatrava, Manapla, Himamaylan City, Sipalay City, Silay City, Murcia, Talisay City, Sagay City, E.B. Magalona, Valladolid, and Candoni.

Lacson lauded the awardees for their unwavering dedication to safeguarding public health and improving sanitation in their communities.

He emphasized that these initiatives are vital in achieving the province’s goal of ensuring that every household has access to basic toilet facilities.

The governor also reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to achieving Zero Open Defecation provincewide through the Provincial Integrated Safe Water Program, aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal No. 6 on clean water and sanitation.

“This commitment reflects our shared dedication to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal No. 6: Clean Water and Sanitation,” he said.