10/12/2025
GAWAD SALUBRIDAD AWARDING CEREMONY 2025
December 10,2025
The Municipal Health Office of Casiguran, under the leadership of Dr. Merill A. Danay, successfully conducted the Gawad Salubridad Awarding Ceremony to honor barangays that achieved Zero Open Defecation (ZOD) and those that accomplished at least 70% of households with complete basic sanitation facilities. The term โSalubridad,โ borrowed from the Spanish language, means cleanliness, health, or public health. In Filipino, it refers to the state of being clean and maintaining conditions that promote good health and sanitation. This ceremony highlights the municipalityโs continued commitment to strengthening sanitation, improving public health, and enhancing community well-being.
The ceremony was graced by the presence of Hon. Roynald S. Soriano, Municipal Mayor, who attended to show his full support for the program. In his message, Mayor Soriano shared that the awarding reflects the real and meaningful results of the municipalityโs sanitation programsโparticularly the distribution of free toilet bowls and the construction of basic sanitation facilities, which have allowed more families to gain access to safe and functional toilets, contributing to a healthier Casiguran. He also stressed the importance of strong cooperation between the LGU, barangays, and community partners, emphasizing that continuous efforts in health and sanitation are essential for Casiguran to achieve its shared goal of becoming a Municipal-Wide Zero Open Defecation (ZOD) community.
One of the major highlights of the program was the Presentation of Sanitation Accomplishments, which showcased the municipalityโs progress from 79.5% sanitation coverage in 2020 to 88.84% in 2025. This upward trend reflects the impact of various initiatives, intensified community monitoring, and ongoing efforts to strengthen sanitation practices at the household level. These accomplishments demonstrate the combined efforts of barangay leaders, health workers, and community members.
The event also recognized the dedication of the Municipal Verification Team, whose thorough validation and verification work ensured that all recognized barangays met the standards required under the Philippine Approach to Sustainable Sanitation (PhATSS). Their efforts helped ensure accuracy, fairness, and reliability in the ZOD certification process.
The Gawad Salubridad Awarding Ceremony serves as a celebration of teamwork, commitment, and public service. It reflects the municipalityโs collective determination to build a cleaner, safer, and healthier Casiguran. The Municipal Health Office extends its heartfelt congratulations to all awardees and expresses its gratitude to the LGU, barangays, and community partners for their unwavering support.
