South Cotabato, Philippines — The Provincial Government of South Cotabato, through the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian (OPV), is strengthening its information, education, and communication (IEC) campaign on rabies prevention and responsible pet ownership in observance of World Rabies Day on September 28.
Veterinarian IV Errol B. Javier, DVM, said the OPV is expanding its IEC activities this year to further strengthen public knowledge on rabies prevention and responsible pet ownership, particularly among students and communities.
“This year, more of IEC tayo. About responsible pet ownership kag syempre ang rabies awareness kay gusto ta mas mapa-strengthen ang aton nga mga knowledge about it,” Javier said.
He added that students and community members remain among the primary target audiences of the campaign, recognizing the importance of equipping the public with proper knowledge and practices to help prevent the spread of rabies.
Javier also expressed optimism over the possible passage of a barangay resolution by Barangay Poblacion in Lake Sebu recognizing the islets within the barangay as rabies-free communities.
“Kag hopefully malagas ang Barangay Resolution sang Barangay Poblacion sa Lake Sebu tungod nga ang mga islet ang Rabies-Free Community kay para ma-recognize kag matagaan naton sila sang pagkilala,” he said.
Meanwhile, Veterinarian II Ella Rose Frugalidad, DVM, said the province will also conduct a radio hopping activity as part of the World Rabies Day observance to further widen the reach of its information campaign.
“Gusto naton masigurado nga bisan ang mga ara sa malayo nga barangay ang makabalo kung paano maprotektahan ang ila mga sapat kag pamilya batok sa rabies. Pinaagi sa aton radio hopping subong nga World Rabies Day, mas mapadasig naton ang pagpalab-ot sang libre nga pagpabakuna kag husto nga impormasyon sa bawat panimalay sa South Cotabato,” Frugalidad said.
This year’s World Rabies Day observance carries the theme “Stronger Together,” highlighting the importance of collective action among government agencies, communities, schools, pet owners, and other stakeholders in preventing rabies.
The initiative forms part of the province’s continuing efforts to strengthen community participation in rabies prevention and promote responsible pet ownership through sustained public information and community-based interventions.
Through the OPVet, the Provincial Government continues to work with local communities and other stakeholders in advancing animal health and public safety, reinforcing the shared responsibility of preventing rabies and protecting both people and animals across South Cotabato.
