IRIGA CITY – The Department of Agriculture in Bicol through the Regulatory Division in collaboration with the Iriga City Veterinary Office celebrated the World Rabies Day 2024 at CDRRMO Covered Court, Sta. Cruz Sur, Iriga City on September 26, 2024.
Veterinarians of the DA Regulatory Division, LGU Iriga City and private veterinarians volunteers vaccinated and dewormed over 700 dogs and cats for anti-rabies. Furthermore, over 210 of these animals offered free spaying and neutering services.
“Sa datos po ng City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) mula 2023-2024 nananatiling pangalawa sa pangunahing rason ng aksidente sa motorsiklo ang mga galang aso,” said Dr. Mark Kevin Badiola, Acting City Veterinarian. “Sa datos naman ng City Health Office (CHO), umaabot sa mahigit 2,000 ang nakakagat ng aso at pusa kada taon. Kung susumahin ang gastos talo ang gobyerno. Umakyat naman sa 18 positibong kaso ng rabis ngayong 2024 mula sa dating pito lamang noong 2023. Sa kabila ng maraming programa na ating isinasagawa, ang panganib na sakit na rabis at problemang dulot ng stray animal o galang aso ay nananatili,” Badiola stressed.
Meanwhile, Rosita Imperial, Chief of Regulatory Division said that at the Regional Level Iriga City has the highest rabies cases in Bicol. “Our theme, breaking rabies boundaries not only in terms of rabies cases but breaking rabies boundaries between sectors highlights the vital role of one health approach. One health approach involves a joint action across sectors towards eradication of rabies. Breaking rabies boundaries also emphasizes cooperation and collaboration among our stakeholders both the local, national and even the international community – the World Health Organization (WHO). Breaking rabies boundaries of limited public knowledge, and also breaking the boundaries of advocacy increases awareness about rabies,” Imperial added.
Vice-Mayor Edsel S. Dimaiwat, also expressed his gratitude to DA RFO V for bringing the World Rabies Day in their City for the first time. “The City of Iriga has an existing Dog Pounding Ordinance na every now and then yung mga taga DA, and our vets, may schedule dates yan nanghuhuli yan ng mga stray dogs at yan po ay dinadala sa dog-pounding area namin. Indeed, today’s activity will help you na ang mga pet niyo ay mabakunahan ng anti-rabies, sa ngayon po nagkakaubusan ng vaccine sa anti-rabies, even in the pharmaceutical here in Iriga,” he said.
“Sana maging responsible pet owners tayo at sana po ay iwasan makakagat at sana maturukan ng anti-rabies ang inyong mga alagang mga animals,” he added. In conclusion, the collaboration with private sponsors and trade partners—such as Iriga Animal Clinic, Vetzone Animal Clinic, Nutrichunks, Universal Robina Corporation-AIG, UNAHCO, St. Roch Animal Bite Center, RabVaxx Animal Bite Center, St. Jude Animal Bite Center, and VAST Agro—demonstrates a strong commitment to animal welfare and community support. (Angela Mae Lafuente – RAFIS 5)