By Mariela Angella Oladive
Rabies remains a significant public health concern in Iloilo, with the province recording 70,405 animal bite incidents in 2024, resulting in five deaths, according to the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO).
The fatalities occurred in the municipalities of Pototan, Barotac Nuevo, Alimodian, Estancia, and Mina.
Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon, head of IPHO, stressed the importance of responsible pet ownership and public awareness, especially during Rabies Awareness Month this March. The campaign theme is, “Rabies-Free na Pusa’t Aso, Kaligtasan ng Pamilyang Pilipino.”
“This theme is very appropriate because every year, we continue to see an increase in animal bite cases and deaths caused by rabies,” Dr. Quiñon said on Tuesday, March 4.
While the number of rabies-related deaths remained at five for the second consecutive year, the overall volume of animal bite cases has surged.
Data from IPHO revealed the following trends:
- 2021: 40,183 cases (12 deaths)
- 2022: 46,308 cases (4 deaths)
- 2023: 72,805 cases (5 deaths)
- 2024: 70,405 cases (5 deaths)
Dr. Quiñon noted that most bites were caused by dogs, underscoring the need for intensified vaccination campaigns and responsible pet care.
To combat the growing rabies threat, the Iloilo provincial government has expanded access to animal bite treatment centers.
Currently, 33 centers operate across 13 district hospitals and 19 rural health units (RHUs) in municipalities such as Oton, Miagao, San Joaquin, Alimodian, Pavia, Sta. Barbara, Zarraga, Maasin, Dueñas, Ajuy, Concepcion, Lemery, San Dionisio, Leganes, Carles, Sara, Banate, Mina, Batad, and Passi City.
New centers in Igbaras, Tubungan, Guimbal, Tigbauan, Leon, and Anilao are expected to open in the first half of 2025.
“In the past, many of our residents had to travel far just to get treatment, but now, with more animal bite centers in place, they don’t need to go far because services are available in their own municipalities,” Dr. Quiñon said.
In February, the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) launched a province-wide dog vaccination drive in partnership with municipal governments.
Trained animal vaccinators have been deployed across Iloilo. Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Darel Tabuada announced that the campaign, which runs until April, aims to vaccinate 70% of Iloilo’s 367,907 dog population—or approximately 257,523 dogs.
The province allocated ₱9 million for vaccines and supplies this year, with 21,000 vials set to immunize 210,000 dogs. Iloilo aims to be rabies-free by 2030.
Authorities emphasized the importance of community participation, urging pet owners to vaccinate their dogs and prevent them from roaming freely to curb the spread of rabies.
Dr. Quiñon also reminded residents of proper first-aid measures for animal bites: wash the wound immediately with soap and running water, apply antiseptic such as alcohol or betadine, and seek medical attention at the nearest animal bite treatment center.
