DOH promotes National Year of Sanitation
By Marivic A. Alcober
Tacloban City (10 March) -- Centered on the theme "Sanitasyon ang Solusyon", 2008 has been declared as the National Year of Sanitation through a Presidential Proclamation, based on the United Nations General Assembly declaring 2008 as the International Year of Sanitation.
Along this line, observance of the National Sanitation Action Week is observed during the 3rd week of June of every year, and relative to the observance, the Department of Health – Eastern Visayas (DOH-EV) will spearhead the promotional and advocacy activities together with other national government agencies, non-government organizations, the business sector, and other organizations.
It was learned from Marissa Nicolasora, DOH-EV Information Officer that the national launching was held recently at the Mandaluyong City Hall. The affair was graced by its Mayor Bayani Abalos, DOH Secretary Francisco T. Duque III, and Sec. Lito Atienza of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
On the local front, it was bared that the initial provincial launching will be held at the municipality of Guiuan, Eastern Samar on March 14, 2008 with DOH Regional Director Teogenes F. Baluma as the Keynote Speaker. The affair will likewise be graced by Eastern Samar Governor Ben P. Evardone and Guiuan Mayor Annaliza T. Gonzales-Kwan.
To highlight said launching, Ms. Nicolasora shared that there will be a signing of commitment of the Mayors or League of Municipalities in Eastern Samar to be followed by the ceremonial hand washing of the Local Chief Executives, heads of national government agencies, and other sectors.
Engr. Alex Rivera, DOH-EV Environmental and Sanitation Program Coordinator together with representatives from the World Health Organization, PLAN Phils., and DOH planned and conceptualized various activities relative to the observance of the 2008 National Year of Sanitation.
One of the activities identified and to be implemented by the National Center for Health Development in coordination with the Local Government Units is the National Search for the Barangay with Best Sanitation Practices.
Meanwhile, DOH advises that priority should be given to practice of proper sanitation in order to avoid being infected with preventable diseases, such as diarrhea, which claims thousands of lives each day especially children. (PIA-8) [top]
