Capitol vaccination benefits over 104,000 pets in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) vaccinated more than 104,000 dogs and cats against rabies from July 2025 to July 2026, as the provincial government continues efforts to prevent the spread of the fatal but preventable disease.

In a post from Capitol Public Health Consultant Dr. Elisse Nicole Catalan, a total of 104,864 dogs and cats were vaccinated during the 12-month period, according to the PVO.

The office also distributed 31,667 vials of rabies vaccine to local government units (LGUs) across Cebu to support their vaccination activities.

Aside from rabies vaccination, the PVO reported performing spay and neuter procedures on 5,264 animals during the same period.

The office said its services reached 103,296 clients in 51 LGUs and 986 barangays across the province.

The figures cover the PVO's activities from July 2025 through July 2026 and reflect its efforts to bring veterinary services closer to communities.

The PVO office continues to conduct field activities, moving from one LGU and barangay to another to provide veterinary services and support local rabies prevention efforts.

Rabies vaccination remains a key component of the province's efforts to protect both animals and people from the disease.

The campaign also includes animal population control through spaying and neutering, which the PVO has incorporated into its veterinary services.

The PVO and the Provincial Health Office (PHO) are also set to work together on programs addressing road safety, rabies prevention, animal population control and responsible pet ownership.

Meanwhile, pet owners are being reminded to have their animals vaccinated and registered, provide proper care, and prevent them from roaming on roads.

The PVO emphasized the role of responsible pet ownership in protecting the wider community from risks associated with unvaccinated and stray animals.

The need for continued rabies prevention efforts is underscored by national data from the Department of Health.

The Philippines recorded 426 rabies-related deaths in 2024, while 1,750 deaths were reported from 2020 to 2024.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), up to 99 percent of human rabies transmissions come from dogs.

The WHO also considers dog vaccination one of the most cost-effective ways to prevent rabies in people, while rabies is virtually 100 percent fatal once symptoms appear. — (FREEMAN)