South Cotabato, Philippines — The Provincial Government of South Cotabato, through the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian (OPV), continues to bring essential animal health services closer to communities through the “Handog ng Pangulo: Serbisyong Sapat Para sa Lahat” program.
Currently ongoing is the provision of free anti-rabies vaccination and distribution of vitamins for pets, providing residents with accessible veterinary services while promoting responsible pet ownership and rabies prevention.
According to Errol B. Javier, DVM, Veterinarian IV, the free vaccination initiative is important in protecting pets from rabies and preventing the transmission of the disease to humans.
“Importante gid nga mapabakunahan ang aton mga ido kag kuring kontra rabies. Paagi sini, indi lamang naton naprotektahan ang aton mga alaga kundi pati man ang aton mga pamilya kag komunidad,” Javier said.
The initiative forms part of the provincial government’s continuing efforts to ensure that essential services reach communities, particularly pet owners who may have limited access to veterinary care.
For beneficiaries, the program also provides practical support by bringing veterinary services directly to their communities, reducing the need to travel and spend for basic animal health services.
Claire Elizabeth Peregua, a beneficiary, expressed her appreciation for the assistance, noting the importance of having free vaccination and vitamins available for pet owners.
“Dako gid ini nga bulig sa amon bilang pet owners kay libre na ang pagpabakuna kag may vitamins pa para sa amon mga alaga. Nalipay gid kami nga ginadala sang gobyerno ini nga serbisyo diretso sa amon komunidad.”
Through Handog ng Pangulo, the Provincial Government continues to strengthen preventive veterinary services while encouraging residents to take an active role in protecting their pets and families from rabies.
The Office of the Provincial Veterinarian reminds pet owners to have their dogs and cats regularly vaccinated against rabies and to practice responsible pet ownership as part of the province’s continuing campaign for healthier and safer communities.
