Marawi City, June 23, 2025 – The Integrated Provincial Health Office – Lanao del Sur (IPHO-LDS), Provincial Health Office (PHO), and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) organized the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WaSH) RSI Quarterly Meeting and Program Implementation Review yesterday at the Provincial Social Hall, New Capitol, Marawi City to present an overview of the current water and sanitation status in the province and identify municipal challenges and annual targets on WaSH services.
The UNICEF WaSH Coordinator, Mr. Nirold Altalaguire, represented the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). Representatives from IPHO include Medical Coordinator, Dr. Nur-Muhammad S. Alawi; Provincial WaSH Coordinators, Sittie Hainie Grande, RN, and Engr. Mohammad Al-Jazeer Pilimpinas; Assistant WaSH Coordinator Nur-aimah S. Sarip, RN; Provincial Rural Sanitary Inspector Mr. Alnor A. Dataman; and Ms. Rosalinda M. Unda, RPh. Distinguished officials from PHO who attended the meeting include Dr. Johanna M. Casan-Adiong and Ms. Inshiqah Bacaraman.
The roster of participants comprised 39 Rural Sanitary Inspectors or WaSH Focal from Lanao del Sur, 2 City Sanitary Inspectors from Marawi City, Environmental Health Staff from Integrated Provincial Health Office, and WaSH Coordinator and Focal from Provincial Health Office.
Dr. Nur-Muhammad S. Alawi mentioned that the meeting was not just a report but an opportunity to share challenges and suggest ideas to further improve work in the said program. He also reiterated the challenges presented, including behavioral changes among community constituents, socio-economic factors, and the need for LGU support. He emphasized the importance of proper coordination with the LGU and convincing the community to understand the aspects of the WaSH Program in terms of health.
Dr. Johanna M. Casan-Adiong showed sincere appreciation to the participants and recognized their roles as health advocates in the community. She expressed her eager anticipation for other WaSH-related services in the future.
Mr. Nirold Altalaguire also offered gratitude to the participants and gave assurance with regards to the constant support of UNICEF to water, sanitation, and other important programs in Lanao del Sur.
In his message of support, Engr. Mohammad Al-Jazeer Pilimpinas emphasized the importance of early and regular coordination, involvement of inspectors during planning and design phases, focus on functionality, not just compliance, and promoting proper hygiene behavior as advice to the RSIs and WaSH Focal of Lanao del Sur. He highlighted the attendees’ crucial contribution to health as part of their service to the government and the province of Lanao del Sur.
