Wao, Lanao del Sur

Wao
واعو
Map of Lanao del Sur with Wao highlighted
Interactive map of Wao
Wao
Location within the Philippines
Coordinates: 7°38′25″N 124°43′33″E / 7.640375°N 124.725733°E / 7.640375; 124.725733
CountryPhilippines
RegionBangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao
ProvinceLanao del Sur
District 1st district
FoundedFebruary 22, 1961
Barangays26 (see Barangays)
Government
 • TypeSangguniang Bayan
 • MayorElvino B. Balicao Jr.
 • Vice MayorElmer A. Mendoza
 • RepresentativeZiaur-Rahman A. Adiong
 • Municipal Council
Members
  • Rex R. Wagas
  • Rolly A. Caballes
  • Dennis L. Angeles
  • Dante D. Doletin Sr.
  • Nasrodin P. Macadato
  • Mary Ruth C. Catalan
  • Salic A. Abantas Jr.
  • Jamal H. Adiong
 • Electorate35,606 voters (2025)
Area
 • Total
485.24 km2 (187.35 sq mi)
Elevation
603 m (1,978 ft)
Highest elevation
1,108 m (3,635 ft)
Lowest elevation
393 m (1,289 ft)
Population
 (2024 census)
 • Total
51,081
 • Density105.27/km2 (272.65/sq mi)
 • Households
9,720
Economy
 • Income class2nd municipal income class
 • Poverty incidence
22.87
% (2021)
 • Revenue₱ 353.2 million (2022)
 • Assets₱ 585.6 million (2022)
 • Expenditure₱ 235.2 million (2022)
 • Liabilities₱ 28.75 million (2022)
Service provider
 • ElectricityFirst Bukidnon Electric Cooperative (FIBECO)
Time zoneUTC+8 (PST)
ZIP code
9716
PSGC
IDD:area code+63 (0)63
Native languagesMaranao
Iranun
Cebuano
Tagalog
Major religionsRoman Catholicism, Islam
Websitewww.wao-lds.gov.ph

Wao, officially the Municipality of Wao (Maranao/Iranun: Inged a Wao; Cebuano: Lungsod sa Wao; Hiligaynon: Banwa sang Wao; Tagalog: Bayan ng Wao), is a municipality in the province of Lanao del Sur, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 50,366 people. Wao is the only Christian-majority municipality in its province. Wao is a diverse community, with different ethniolinguistic groups such as Hiligaynon, Ilocano, Iranun, Cebuano, Maranao, Talaandig, Ivatan, and Tagalog residing in the area. Ilonggo is the dominant language spoken among the residents of the municipality. Wao is now a First Class Municipality.