Capitol rolls out free vet services

CEBU, Philippines — In observance of National Rabies Awareness Month, the Cebu Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) and the Provincial Health Office (PHO) will roll out a province-wide campaign offering free anti-rabies vaccination, spaying and neutering services, and information and education drives from March 4 to 31 in selected municipalities and component cities.

Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Mary Rose Vincoy described the recent rabies cases recorded in the province’s tri-cities as alarming, noting that highly urbanized areas present unique challenges in controlling the disease.

“Sa highly urbanized cities, like mga tri-cities, naa man guy daghan nga subdivision. Kinahanglan sudlan na nila didto,” she said, pointing out the difficulty of reaching pets in numerous subdivisions.

Vincoy explained that municipalities are comparatively easier to manage.

“Ang sa municipalities, kay naa man tay mga communities mga community dogs, nga free roaming na siya. And nya kami we have access pud sa naa mi partnership with mga LGUs ug mga collaboration, dali raman sad. But ang challenge kay naa sa highly urbanized cities,” she added.

The month-long observance aims to curb rabies cases and provide supplementary veterinary services, particularly in areas where access to such services remains limited. The PVO also underscored the vital role of the PHO in the campaign.

“Kay ang rabies kay zoonotic disease man siya. Di pwede nga ang PVO lang but also ang Provincial Health Office and of course, ang Municipal Health Officer,” Vincoy stated.

Pet organizations and animal welfare advocates are encouraged to support and assist in the series of activities.

The Capitol team has lined up visits to the following areas: Talisay City (March 4), Alegria (March 5–6), Boljoon (March 10–11), Sogod (March 12), Liloan (March 13), Alcoy (March 17–18), Lapu-Lapu City (March 19), Asturias (March 20),Tuburan (March 27–28), and Aloguinsan (March 31).

According to Vincoy, some of the identified areas do not have pre-emptive rabies control activities, prompting the PVO to initiate the campaign there. Meanwhile, several local government units requested that the services be extended to two or three days to ensure wider coverage of their pet population.

“Then some LGU requested mga 2 days, 3 days para ang whole municipality maka-avail sila sa services so we welcome it. Labi na if mu-request ang Mayor pud nga matutukan ang public health,” she said.

For municipalities not included in the March schedule, Vincoy clarified that many of them had already been visited last year or earlier this year, particularly in January and February, citing Camotes and Bantayan Islands as examples. — (FREEMAN)