Enhancing Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Efforts in Northern Samar

In a significant move toward improving public health, the Provincial Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Council (PWASHC) has been reconstituted, aligned with the Philippine Approach to Sustainable Sanitation (PhATSS) and the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2030 to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all Nortehanons.

The PWASHC held its meeting on October 16, 2024 at the Sumuroy Hall in the Provincial Capitol of Catarman aimed to enhance the water and sanitation programs essential for the health and well-being of all Nortehanons.

Dr. Valera delivered an update on the province's water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) condition, noting that as of September 2024, 220 of 569 barangays and 5 of 24 municipalities are Zero Open Defecation (ZOD) certified. He emphasized the importance of organizing PWASH, Municipal WASH (MWASH), and Local Drinking Water Quality Monitoring Committees (LDWQMC) in each municipality as a best practice.

In the reconstituted PWASH Council, Governor Edwin Ongchuan sits as chair, with various offices under the Provincial Government as members, national government agencies and non-government organizations.

The collaborative efforts to tackle major health issues in Northern Samar continue. By fostering partnerships and leveraging resources, the province aims to expand its health initiatives and improve the well-being of Nortehanons, contributing to Governor Edwin Ongchuan's development goal of "Padayon nga KAUSWAGAN" or sustained progress.