South Cotabato, Philippines — To promote public safety and animal welfare, the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVET) conducted a specialized training on proper stray dog handling in Barangay Poblacion, Tupi.
The session, led by Veterinarian III Dr. Errol B. Javier, focused on equipping local stakeholders with practical skills to manage stray animals in a safe and humane manner. Dr. Javier emphasized that the training goes beyond simple restraint; it fosters a deeper understanding of animal behavior to prevent incidents like dog bites and rabies transmission.
“The activity aimed to equip participants with the skills to safely manage stray dog situations while promoting responsible and humane practices within the community,” Dr. Javier highlighted.
Participants were oriented on proper handling techniques, the use of appropriate equipment, and compliance with animal welfare laws. The training also stressed the importance of coordinated community action and the role of local authorities in maintaining a rabies-free environment.
By intensifying education and community-based initiatives, the Provincial Government of South Cotabato continues to protect both residents and animals, fostering a safer and more compassionate province.
The Municipality of Tupi, in active partnership with the Provincial Government of South Cotabato, continues to strengthen the enforcement of the Anti-Rabies Act (RA 9482) and the Animal Welfare Act (RA 8485) through its strategic stray animal management program.
Central to this initiative is the municipal dog impounding facility established in 2024, a project funded by the provincial government to mitigate road accidents and curb the spread of rabies.
With this development, Tupi joins Surallah and Polomolok as the third locality in the province to host a dedicated impounding center, marking a significant milestone in South Cotabato’s mission to build safer, rabies-free, and animal-friendly communities.
