South Cotabato — March is officially Rabies Awareness Month, and the provincial government is organizing several kinds of initiatives to promote responsible pet ownership and raise public awareness. The Provincial Veterinary Office, led by Dr. Byron Dela Cruz, DVM, has planned a series of activities to educate the public about the risks of rabies and the need for vaccination.
Rabies Awareness Month Activities:
- Walk-in Rabies Vaccination: Throughout the month, specific sites will offer free pet rabies vaccines.
- IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) Materials Distribution: The general public will get educational materials regarding responsible pet ownership and rabies prevention.
- In the second week of March, a new dog impounding facility in Tupi, South Cotabato, will be ceremonially turned over. This will supplement the province’s current impounding facilities at Surallah and Polomolok.
- In the third week of March, Dr. Quinton and other veterinary specialists will hold a radio interview to discuss rabies prevention and answer audience concerns.
- In the fourth week of March, there will be a public discussion to encourage ethical pet ownership and provide professional guidance.
Dr. Quinton underlined the important role of rabies vaccination in protecting pets and the general public from the fatal disease.
“Gina imbita ko gid kamo nga pabakunahan niyo gid ang inyo kasapatan, ido, kuring or kun unggoy man. So dapat gid mabakunahan para iwas kita sa ginatawag nga sakit nga rabies kay deadly gid ini siya.”
He also reminded pet owners of their responsibility to care for their animals properly:
“Dapat bilang isa ka responsible pet owner, dapat alagaan gid ninyo ang inyo nga mga kasapatan.”
With three functioning impounding facilities in Tupi, Surallah, and Polomolok, the South Cotabato provincial government is still dedicated to stepping up efforts to prevent and control rabies. The public is invited to engage actively in the scheduled activities while ensuring their pets are properly vaccinated and cared for.
In the fight against rabies, South Cotabato is united this Rabies Awareness Month, working to create a safer and healthier community for both people and animals.
