BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. assured the public that the government is working hard to achieve universal access to clean water, sanitation, and a safe environment while encouraging Filipinos to adopt disciplined and environmentally conscious behaviors in their respective communities.
In his message delivered on his behalf by Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa at the 24th National Planning, Consultative Meeting, and Conference on Environmental Health, Safe Water, and Sustainable Sanitation on April 2, 2025 in Baguio City, the President said that the challenges presented in the 2024 Sustainable Development Report still persist in achieving the country’s goals for the accessibility of clean water and sanitation in creating sustainable communities alongside other issues that contribute to this problem.
“We cannot deny that the gaps continue to exist in our sanitation sectors. Many of our communities, especially in rural and underserved areas, still lack access to clean water, safe sanitation, and waste management services. In fact, the Sustainable Development Report of 2024 finds that significant challenges remain in achieving our goals of clean water and sanitation, as well as sustainable cities and communities. The sector is also afflicted with lack of jobs and job opportunities and poor workforce conditions,” he stated.
He underscored that water and sanitation complete the basic foundation of a healthy Filipino community. With that, he assured that the administration, with the help of concerned agencies, are constantly upgrading the country’s waste management systems, providing sanitation facilities in community spaces, and encouraging LGUs to adopt sustainable practices in waste reduction.
“We are addressing these challenges with urgency and conviction since water, sanitation, and hygiene is one of the priorities of the Department of Health,” the President assured.
PBBM also urged Filipinos to commit to helping the government address the problem by keeping their own surroundings clean.
“Beyond infrastructure and policies, we must also aggressively instill a deeper sense of responsibility in every Filipino. And all begins at our respective homes. Ang bawat isa sa atin ay may responsibilidad na panatilihing malinis ang ating kapaligiran. Ang simpleng pagtatapon ng basura sa tamang lugar at paglilinis ng ating pangangatawan ay sumasalamin sa ating malasakit sa kalikasan at sa komunidad. Ang mga ito ay sumasagisag sa ating katangian bilang bagong Pilipino, disiplinado, mahusay, at mahal ang bayan,” he said.
The conference with the theme, “The Future of Sanitation: Challenges, Opportunities, and Solutions,” was attended by key officials, health stakeholders, and sanitation inspectors from government agencies across the country.(JDP/DEG/Klaud Kaniteng- PIA CAR-SLU Intern)
