Last month, Ivisan, Capiz was officially declared a zero open defecation (ZOD) municipality, part of a campaign to promote proper hygiene and sanitation practices in order to prevent the spread of disease. Since then, Cuartero became the fourth town in the province to receive the distinction.

The Department of Health (DOH) officially declared the town a ZOD municipality earlier this month.

Last April, however, 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. Provincial Sanitary Engineer Joemarie Eugene Gonzales noted at the time, the town had yet to receive an official declaration.

The other two ZOD municipalities in Capiz are Jamindan and Dumalag./WDJ