ILOILO – A total of 65,930 dogs have been vaccinated against rabies across Iloilo Province since the launch of the annual anti-rabies vaccination campaign by the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) on February 4.
The figure represents 17.92 percent of the province’s vaccination target, which aims to cover at least 70 percent of the estimated 367,907 dog population this year.
Rabies is a fatal viral disease that affects the central nervous system of mammals, including dogs, and can be transmitted to humans through bites or scratches. Infected animals may exhibit behavioral changes, excessive drooling, aggression, paralysis, and eventually death.
Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent rabies and stop its transmission to humans.
Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Darel Tabuada acknowledged that the current accomplishment appears low, citing delays in report submissions from various municipalities whose vaccinators are still conducting house-to-house campaigns at the barangay level.
“Some of our municipalities have yet to submit their reports, but I’ve already reminded them to do so and update their accomplishments. Hopefully, in the next few days, we will see an increase in our vaccination rate,” Tabuada told Panay News.
According to PVO data as of March 31, the following municipalities have submitted their vaccination accomplishments:
* 1st District – Guimbal (1,264), Oton (5,118), San Joaquin (1,874), Tigbauan (7,045); pending reports from Igbaras and Miag-ao.
* 2nd District – Alimodian (2,723), Leon (967), New Lucena (2,107), Pavia (36), San Miguel (1,871), Santa Barbara (2,700); pending reports from Leganes and Zarraga.
* 3rd District – Badiangan (955), Bingawan (1,148), Calinog (139), Janiuay (808), Lambunao (52), Maasin (1,426), Mina (383), Pototan (2,249); pending report from Cabatuan.
* 4th District – Anilao (11), Banate (4,017), Barotac Nuevo (4,560), Dingle (1,846), Dueñas (344), Dumangas (3,802), Passi City (2,549); pending report from San Enrique.
* 5th District – Ajuy (1,537), Balasan (22), Barotac Viejo (2,785), Batad (890), Carles (3,381), Concepcion (2,356), Estancia (80), Lemery (1,640), San Rafael (940), Sara (575); pending report from San Dionisio.
Tabuada remains confident that the province will achieve its 70-percent coverage goal, noting the strong support from all 42 municipalities and Passi City through the allocation of additional funds for vaccine procurement, hiring of vaccinators, and intensified barangay-level outreach.
This year, the provincial government has allocated P9 million for the purchase of approximately 21,000 vials of rabies vaccines — enough to immunize 210,000 dogs across Iloilo.
In 2024, the province achieved a high vaccination rate of 87.37 percent, immunizing 283,755 dogs out of a total population of 324,764.
To further boost the campaign’s reach, Tabuada appealed to all dog owners to cooperate with the vaccination teams.
“If our vaccinators come to your house, please welcome them and have your dogs—and even cats—vaccinated,” he urged.
He also emphasized the importance of vaccination in reducing rabies cases. In 2024, only 47 out of 152 dog brain samples tested positive for rabies, with the remaining 105 testing negative.
In 2023, the number of rabies-positive dogs stood at 57./PN
