Solving PH’s sanitation problems should start in homes — Cynthia Villar

Senator Cynthia Villar said solving the country’s problem on sanitation should start in homes, with families carrying out the “most simple types of sanitation.”

Villar, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, said, “Let us start with ourselves. Let us start with our homes. Each of us should know and learn the value of hygiene and sanitation.”

In a statement, Villar also said, “Policy makers, development partners, and communities should act now to improve the current sanitation situation. We should work together to [end] this perennial problem which has been bogging down the lives of our poor countrymen.”

“Improved sanitation leads to less diseases, improved nutrition, reduced stunting, improved quality of life, healthier living environments, increased job opportunities and wages, improved competitiveness, and economic and social gains to society,” she added.

Mangrove planting, clean-up drive

Villar recently led a mangrove planting and clean-up drive in Gasangan, Tondo in Manila to address the sanitation problem caused the poor solid waste management and open defecation.

She has been spearheading the establishment of sanitation facilities in Baseco, Gasangan together with the departments of Health (DOH), Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

They also distributed toilet bowls to Baseco residents.

“Ang mga toilet bowls ay bahagi ng target natin na 5,000 toilet bowls para dito sa Baseco. At katulad ng dati, ang DoH ang nag-provide ng mga toilet bowls. At ako na sumagot sa unang septic tank at ang pangalawa naman ay katuwang ko ang Department of Health,” she said.

She also cited the participation of Villar SIPAG, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM), Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Maynilad, Kabalikat sa Kaunlaran ng Baseco, and the baranggay officials.

Villar has “adopted” Baranggay 649 in Baseco to expand the livelihood of the residents by turning the area into an ideal site of urban agriculture and aquaculture. — Syrah Vivien Inocencio/INQUIRER.net Intern