Province to get 10K rabies vaccines

CEBU, Philippines — In response to a surge in animal bite cases across the province, the Cebu Provincial Government is set to purchase 10,000 vials of anti-rabies vaccine, marking the first major procurement under Governor Pamela Baricuatro’s administration.

The procurement, valued at ?18 million, comes amid reports from provincial hospitals that supplies have been running low.

Baricuatro shared that based on feedback from health workers in Camotes, they confirmed the shortage during her recent hospital visits.

The purchase will be awarded through a competitive bidding process, which will be livestreamed for the first time.

This initiative follows Baricuatro’s directive to broadcast all bidding activities in the interest of transparency and public accountability.

The bidding is scheduled for Monday, August 11, and will be streamed via the provincial government’s official website and social media channels.

Provincial administrator Joseph Felix Mari “Ace” Durano said at least 11 suppliers have expressed intent to participate after attending the pre-bidding conference.

Once awarded, the Capitol aims to deliver the vaccines to its network of 16 province-run hospitals before the end of the month. Distribution will not be equal but proportional to each locality’s historical demand for anti-rabies shots.

Rabies, a viral disease affecting the central nervous system, is almost always fatal once symptoms appear but can be prevented with timely vaccination after exposure.

Local health officials attribute the rise in cases to a combination of factors, including increased public awareness that has led more bite victims to seek medical help, as well as the growing number of residents having pets. Stray animals and wildlife remain common transmission sources.

“I think this will be the first time that it will be livestreamed kining order ni gov na all bidding will be livestreamed,” said Durano.

Executive Order No. 37, which Baricuatro signed on July 28, mandates the livestreaming of all procurement proceedings under the province’s Bids and Awards Committees.

The order aligns with provisions of the New Government Procurement Act (RA 12009) and underscores the principles of transparency, integrity, and public participation.

Under the EO, all stages of procurement --including pre-procurement meetings, pre-bid conferences, bid openings, and other BAC sessions-- must be broadcast online through official government channels.

Durano said the livestreaming policy will help restore public trust in government transactions and deter irregularities in the procurement process. — (FREEMAN)