The town of Ivisan, located in Capiz, was officially declared a zero open defecation (ZOD) municipality earlier this week.

According to humanitarian organization World Vision, which supports the ZOD campaign, proper hygiene and sanitation practices will prevent the spread of disease.

“Open defecation is a serious threat to health causing diseases such as diarrhea and cholera,” World Vision Communication Officer Florence Joy Maluyo noted in an article. “Flies can feed on the feces which contain bacteria and pass it on to foods which may be eaten by someone.”

Last month, the Capiz Provincial Health Office said Cuartero was a candidate for becoming a ZOD municipality after Health Education and Promotion Officer Ayr Altavas affirmed the town’s 22 barangays were cleared; however, Provincial Sanitary Engineer Joemarie Eugene Gonzales noted, the town has yet to receive an official declaration.

The Department of Health hopes the Philippines becomes a “ZOD country.”/WDJ