ILOILO – Nearly 9,000 dogs and cats across Iloilo Province were vaccinated against rabies during the Nationwide Simultaneous Rabies Vaccination Day on March 11 as the provincial government intensifies efforts to protect communities from the deadly virus.
Data from the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian (OPVet) showed that 8,422 animals were vaccinated during the one-day campaign, significantly boosting the province’s mass immunization drive aimed at reaching at least 70 percent of the canine population to effectively control rabies transmission.
Of the total vaccinated animals, 7,432 dogs and cats were immunized across all 43 local government units (LGUs), 732 were vaccinated through partner private veterinary clinics, and 258 were vaccinated by the OPVet Iloilo team during a house-to-house campaign in the municipality of Badiangan.
The vaccination drive forms part of the observance of Rabies Awareness Month and supports the province’s broader campaign to eliminate rabies, a fatal viral disease transmitted to humans primarily through bites from infected dogs.
OPVet head Dr. Darel Tabuada personally led the provincial veterinary team to Badiangan to conduct free house-to-house vaccinations to ensure wider coverage, especially in areas where pet owners may find it difficult to bring animals to designated vaccination sites.
Although the team targeted to vaccinate 10,000 animals in a single day, the campaign fell slightly short of the goal but still delivered substantial protection to thousands of pets and communities.
The province currently has a dog population inventory of 337,953, and authorities aim to immunize at least 70 percent of that number to effectively prevent rabies outbreaks.
To support the campaign, the Iloilo provincial government under Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. allocated P9 million for the procurement of rabies vaccines for a three-month mass dog vaccination program that began on Feb. 3, 2026. The initiative aims to reduce rabies cases and strengthen public safety across the province.
Tabuada stressed that the success of the campaign depends heavily on cooperation from pet owners.
“Dog owners are responsible for carrying or handling their pets during vaccination – this is a key part of being a responsible pet owner,” he said.
Provincial authorities said the ongoing vaccination program is crucial to protecting both animals and people, noting that sustained immunization coverage is the most effective way to stop the spread of rabies in communities./PN
