LGU Bayambang’s Best Practices in Sanitary Inspection and Environmental Protection

 

 

LGU Bayambang’s Best Practices in Sanitary Inspection and Environmental Protection

 

The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Bayambang continues to lead with proactive initiatives that promote public health hand in hand with environmental stewardship and disaster resilience. Under the leadership of Mayor Niña Jose-Quiambao, the municipality has rolled out several innovative programs and strengthened its sanitary inspection efforts to ensure the well-being of its constituents in an interdisciplinary and holistic way.

 

1. Bali-Bali’n Bayambang: A Clean-and-Green Movement

One of the flagship projects of Mayor Niña is Bali-Bali’n Bayambang, a town-wide competition that encourages cleanliness, orderliness, and environmental friendliness in all 77 barangays. More than a beautification campaign, it aims to instill environmental discipline through regular clean-up drives and active community participation.

Based on metrics set by the MENRO with the help of the Municipal Health Office, which includes inspection of each barangay’s marketplace, the most compliant barangays are recognized during the Monday flag ceremony and awarded with token gifts.

A group of ‘Basura Patrollers’ hired for this purpose now act like CCTV cameras, reporting to authorities individuals who violate anti-littering law and other health and environmental misconducts.

To symbolize this advocacy, the bougainvillea was officially declared the town flower—encouraging the massive planting of this vibrant ornamental in homes and public spaces across Bayambang, transforming otherwise dull landscapes into bursts of color that please the eye and promote aesthetics and wellbeing in general.

 

[RJ: Use old Bali-Balin Bayambang videos na lang]

 

2. Ensuring Safe Water Supply and Responsible Business Practices

On January 16, 2024, the LGU gathered water filling and refilling station owners and operators to provide guidance on proper business management. Discussions focused on the importance of securing legal requirements such as the Sanitary Permit, which guarantees that the water they provide is safe and free from health risks.

Our sanitary inspectors also never fail to conduct regular inspections and spot-checking in food and industrial establishments for compliance with health and safety standards.

In relation, as part of its mandate, the Municipal Engineering Office also ensures compliance with the National Building Code because it provides not only building permits, but also ancillary permits, including Sanitary/Plumbing Permits for proper septic and water connections.

 

3. Vector Control and Prevention of Notifiable Diseases

The Rural Health Units have been vigilant in protecting residents against notifiable diseases.

For mosquito-borne diseases: Rounds of surveillance were conducted in various barangays after reports of suspected dengue cases. Misting and fogging operations were made in case of clustering of cases. Larvicidal was Sanitary Inspectors also educated residents on the 4 O'Clock Habit—cleaning surroundings, segregating waste, disposing stagnant water, and eliminating mosquito breeding sites via Oplan Taob or the overturning of all vessels as potential breeding grounds. Olyset nets were distributed in schools.

Following several reported cases, the RHUs also promptly launched health promotion in the barangays and on social media, and conducted fogging operations to curb the spread of the virus. Those with symptoms were advised to promptly seek help.

Furthermore, we have two free Animal Bite Treatment Centers, with another one awaiting DOH accreditation, to prevent rabies cases among our catchment areas.

Other information-education-communication activities were likewise conducted in the outlying barangays for other notifiable diseases.

 

4. Intensified Public Market and Slaughterhouse Inspections

Bayambang’s Sanitary Inspectors are actively inspecting public market stalls to ensure sanitary practices are observed, particularly in the sale of food and other perishables.

Simultaneously, the Municipal Slaughterhouse undergoes strict inspection by the Municipal Veterinarian, in coordination with the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS), to ensure meat safety and compliance with health standards.

 

5. Promoting Community Sanitation

To enforce a Zero Open Defecation Policy, the LGU has provided the poorest households in all 77 barangays with water-sealed septic tanks for free, improving sanitation and public health across the municipality.

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Conclusion

Bayambang's comprehensive and community-focused approach to sanitation and environmental health stands as a model for other municipalities. Through a mix of infrastructure development, environmental initiatives, and public engagement, the LGU proves that sustainable progress is achievable when communities work hand in hand with strong local governance.