BACOLOD CITY, April 24 -- The Negros Occidental provincial government has distributed a total of PHP1 million in cash incentives to local government units (LGUs) and barangays that have achieved zero open defecation (ZOD) status.

Data from the Provincial Health Office (PHO) on Wednesday showed the province has two ZOD-declared LGUs, including La Carlota City and Municipality of San Enrique, while at least 114 villages are already practicing ZOD as of the first quarter of 2024.

During the ceremonial turnover of cash incentives led by Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson at the Provincial Capitol on Tuesday, representatives of the two LGUs received PHP100,000 each.

Each of the 40 ZOD-declared barangays from 12 cities and municipalities were give...