KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato — Government hospitals across South Cotabato are strengthening environmental policies, enforcing banning the use of plastic and undergoing strict evaluations as part of the provincial government’s intensified Clean and Green Program.
Norala District Hospital has begun implementing a “No to Single-Use Plastic” policy, prohibiting plastic bags, bottles, straws, and disposable food containers in its premises.
The directive covers patients, watchers, and visitors, aiming to significantly reduce waste and improve sanitation inside the facility.
Hospital officials said the move supports both infection control and environmental protection, while encouraging the public to shift to reusable alternatives.
In Polomolok Municipal Hospital, an evaluation was conducted on April 22 under the Clean and Green Program, measuring compliance with standards on cleanliness, waste management, and ecological sustainability, key indicators in maintaining safe and environment-friendly healthcare facilities.
Meanwhile, the South Cotabato Provincial Hospital continues to integrate waste reduction and sustainability practices into its operations, aligning hospital systems with the province’s broader environmental agenda.
Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. emphasized that environmental responsibility must be practiced across all public institutions, especially in healthcare.
“Ang kalinisan kag kaayusan sang aton mga ospital indi lang para sa kaayuhan sang pasyente kundi para man sa proteksyon sang aton palibot. Responsibilidad naton ini nga padayon nga palig-unon,” Tamayo said.
He added that the province remains committed to policies that promote both public health and environmental sustainability.
With hospitals taking a more active role, South Cotabato continues to position its healthcare system as disciplined, compliant, and forward-looking, proving that quality service and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand.
