ILOILO — Carles is moving closer to becoming a fully rabies-free municipality after four more barangays were officially certified free from the deadly disease, marking another significant milestone in the town’s intensified animal health and public safety campaign.
The Sub-National Rabies Control Committee Technical Working Group (TWG) Region 6 declared barangays Binuluangan, Buenavista, Tabugon, and Pantalan as rabies-free on November 21 following a four-day on-site evaluation that assessed the communities’ readiness and compliance with national standards.
The evaluation, conducted from November 18 to 21, involved representatives from the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Agriculture (DA), Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO), and the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO). The team inspected dog vaccination records, surveillance systems, education campaigns, availability of vaccines, and the functionality of Barangay Rabies Control Committees (BRCCs).
“This achievement is a critical step for Carles as an eco-tourism destination. By ensuring rabies-free communities, we safeguard not only our residents but also future visitors who will explore our pristine beaches, vibrant marine life, and lush landscapes,” Mayor Arnold Betita II said in a statement, as he extended his “heartfelt congratulations and deepest gratitude” to the four barangays.
The IPHO likewise praised the newly certified barangays, stating: “We proudly congratulate the evaluated barangays for meeting the criteria and being officially declared as Rabies-Free Barangays in the Province of Iloilo! Your dedication keeps our communities safe, healthy, and resilient.”
Mayor Betita also thanked BRCCs, volunteers, pet owners, and other community stakeholders for their roles in:
* Achieving 100% dog vaccination coverage
* Promoting responsible pet ownership
* Building a culture of health and safety
Before this latest declaration, eight other barangays in Carles had earlier achieved rabies-free status — Asluman, Granada, Gabi, Lantangan, Alipata, San Fernando, Buaya, and Isla de Caña — bringing the total to 12 out of the municipality’s 33 barangays.
To be declared rabies-free, a barangay must meet strict criteria, including at least 70% dog vaccination coverage for two consecutive years, functioning rabies control committees, effective surveillance, local ordinances on rabies prevention, availability of anti-rabies vaccines, school-based rabies education, and annual observance of Rabies Awareness Month and World Rabies Day./PN
