By Mariela Angella Oladive
In celebration of World Rabies Day, the Iloilo Provincial Government recognized 14 local government units (LGUs) for their exceptional implementation of the Rabies Program during an event on September 27 at Robinsons Place, Pavia.
Topping the list was Oton, which received a trophy and a cash prize of PHP 100,000. Anilao and Leganes secured second and third places, receiving PHP 70,000 and PHP 50,000, respectively.
The remaining LGUs, awarded PHP 20,000 each, were:
- 4th place: Cabatuan
- 5th place: Ajuy
- 6th place: Sta. Barbara
- 7th place: Calinog
- 8th place: Pavia
- 9th place: Tubungan
- 10th place: Sara
Certificates of recognition were presented to Batad (11th place), Leon (12th place), Badiangan (13th place), and San Enrique (14th place).
The event, organized by the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO), aimed to raise awareness about the dangers of rabies to both animals and humans.
“We celebrate this to increase awareness among pet owners and our communities about the risk of rabies to humans and animals. This is part of our ongoing efforts to achieve a rabies-free status by 2030,” said Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Darel Tabuada.
Tabuada noted that nearly all municipalities in Iloilo have achieved a vaccination coverage of 70 percent, with the provincial average at 86 percent. He also highlighted the progress made, as 28 barangays—mostly in the island areas of the fifth district—have already been declared rabies-free.
The event included a discussion on rabies elimination strategies led by Dr. Marie Elizabeth Miranda, CEO of the Field Epidemiology Training Program Alumni Foundation Inc. Dr. Miranda emphasized increasing vaccination coverage, enhancing public awareness campaigns, and improving early detection and response to rabies cases.
