By Rjay Zuriaga Castor
The Iloilo City government has successfully vaccinated 753 dogs and cats in a citywide rabies prevention campaign aimed at protecting both pets and the community.
From March 5 to 7, the Office of the City Veterinarian (OCV) conducted vaccination drives in six villages within the City Proper district.
On March 5, 90 pets were vaccinated in Gen. Hughes, 78 in Blumentritt-Monica, and 98 in Zamora-Melliza.
The campaign continued on March 7, with 81 pets receiving vaccinations in Sto. Rosario-Duran, 181 in Concepcion, and 225 in Veteran’s Village.
Dr. Fernando Abulencia, head of the OCV, emphasized the importance of rabies vaccination as a major public health concern.
The vaccination efforts align with Rabies Awareness Month, which carries the theme “Rabies-free na pusa’t aso, kaligtasan ng pamilyang Pilipino.”
The slogan promotes responsible pet ownership, including registering and vaccinating pets.
It also seeks to control the dog population through spaying and neutering programs while enhancing public awareness about rabies prevention through education campaigns.
“Rabies is not seasonal; it can be linked to vaccination failures since positive cases often involve unvaccinated pets,” Abulencia said.
He noted that some pet owners remain unaware of their responsibilities regarding pet care.
He stressed that responsible pet ownership includes ensuring pets receive rabies vaccinations.
Abulencia said the Department of Agriculture in Western Visayas contributed additional rabies vaccines and supplies for the program.
Residents can access free rabies vaccinations at the OCV office inside the Motorpool Compound on Delgado Street from Monday to Friday, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Vaccinations are available for pets at least three months old.
