Koronadal City, South Cotabato| September 16, 2025 — The Provincial Government of South Cotabato is intensifying its anti-rabies efforts after hospital records showed a sustained, high volume of animal-bite patients seeking treatment at the South Cotabato Provincial Hospital (SCPH) Animal Bite Center.
Dr. Ana Marie Tuburan, Chief of Outpatient Services, said on average the center receives 2,514 animal-bite patients every month, with the Outpatient Department (OPD) accommodating about 126 patients a day.
Records further show that 15,090 of those patients — 64.24% of the total census at the SCPH Animal Bite Center — came from Koronadal City alone.
“We are seeing a large and steady flow of bite cases,” Dr. Tuburan told reporters.
She encourage the public to come to the OPD early to access services as soon as possible, but asked the patients to follow hospital protocols so the hospital can ensure safe, orderly care for everyone.
Dr. Tuburan acknowledged long queues are inevitable given the caseload, and asked for public patience.
She said OPD staff understand that some patients face urgent circumstances and invited the public to politely notify staff if they need priority — for example, if a guardian must return to work — so that the team can accommodate genuine urgent needs when possible.
Vaccine supply and funding
John Codilla, Nurse III and head of the Infectious Disease Program, confirmed that the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) has allocated ₱2.4 million to support the anti-rabies campaign.
“That allocation translates to 1,200 vials dedicated to the provincial purchase of rabies vaccine,” Codilla said.
He also noted that the SCPH maintains a separate budget for its own vaccine needs to ensure continuity of care at the hospital level.
Despite these allocations, both health officials emphasized that sustaining the program will require local government units (LGUs) to commit funds as well. “
“We encourage LGUs to set aside their own budgets for the purchase of rabies vaccine so we can maintain steady supplies across municipal health facilities,” Dr. Tuburan said.
Codilla, however, said that the coordinated finance effort between the province, the hospital, and municipal governments will protect more residents and pets.
What residents should do
Health officials reminded the public of the immediate steps to take after an animal bite:
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Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water.
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Seek prompt medical attention at the nearest OPD or Animal Bite Center to receive risk assessment and, if indicated, rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
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Follow the hospital’s triage and queuing procedures to help staff manage the caseload efficiently.
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Inform OPD staff if there is an urgent reason for expedited care.
Dr. Tuburan also encouraged pet owners to keep vaccinations for dogs and cats up to date and to report stray animals that may pose a risk to municipal authorities.
Strengthening community protection
The provincial anti-rabies campaign combines clinical management for bite victims with community education and animal vaccination drives. With thousands of bite cases recorded annually and a majority coming from Koronadal City, provincial health authorities say stronger coordination with city and municipal governments is essential to lower incidence and prevent human rabies deaths.
“Prevention is a shared responsibility,” Codilla said.
Vaccinating dogs, controlling stray populations, and ensuring timely treatment for bite victims are all parts of the solution, Codilla stressed.
For now, the SCPH Animal Bite Center continues to operate under heightened demand. Health officials reiterated their request for patience from the public, advance arrival when possible, and cooperation with hospital protocols so the center can provide safe and timely care for all who need it.
