MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--The Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) here recognized the municipality of Wao for achieving Zero Open Defecation (ZOD) status, the first in Lanao del Sur province.

During the 62nd Araw ng Wao event, the ZOD certification was given to the Wao municipal government and its 26 barangays.

A ZOD status means that all households have abandoned the practice of open defecation and are using either their own or others' sanitary toilet facilities.

In Wao, 13 barangays were given ZOD status in 2019, and the other 13 got ZOD status after being evaluated and validated in 2022.

Mayor Elvino Balicao Jr. is happy with the certification and congratulated the 26 barangays for attaining the ZOD status.

He said improving the town's health and sanitation is one of his administration's thrusts. (APB/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)