Community Folks Aim for Zero Open Defecation

The community folks of Alang-Alang, Tabogon, Cebu have been wanting to end open defecation in their community after they participated the training on Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH).

It was found out during the site validation that there were 82 Households who have no toilets and still practicing open defecation. The community volunteers of Alang-Alang, Tabogon, Cebu have constructed 82 individual latrines for 82 households to achieve their goal in making the zero-open defecation (ZOD) in their community.

The Construction of latrines is funded by the Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan, Comprehensive and Integrated delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS) one of the programs of the Department of Social Welfare and Development. The DSWD 7 through this program has been active in campaigning along with partner agencies to have Zero Open defecation in its covered areas by conducting series of training for Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH).

It was in November 2016, when Kalahi-CIDSS conducted a WASH learning Visit, which made a good impression to all 225 participants. It was participated by LGUs, Community volunteers, ACTs and MCTs. The visit was made in the Three (3) ZOD Free Barangays of Daanbantayan, Cebu. The good practices of the two barangays in Daanbantayan, Cebu, has inspired the participants to make a move for their community to have ZOD.

The implementation of the 82 individual latrines started January 26, 2017 and it is expected to be completed on May 6, 2017. With the construction of these 82 latrines, the community folk in Alang-alang will soon enjoy a clean environment.