BACOLOD CITY — The city government, through the City Veterinary Office (CVO), is aiming to vaccinate at least 100,000 dogs this year as it intensifies its campaign to make Bacolod rabies-free.
The target exceeds last year’s accomplishment of more than 80,000 vaccinated dogs, signaling an expanded prevention strategy for 2026.
The CVO launched its house-to-house anti-rabies vaccination drive on February 18, starting in Barangay Granada. The activity is set to continue in the barangay until February 26 before moving to other areas.
Assistant City Veterinarian Dr. Janine Sarthou said the intensified vaccination program comes amid an increase in reported rabies cases. She stressed that the free vaccination drive is a crucial measure to protect both residents and their pets from the deadly disease.
Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, making prevention through vaccination critical, Sarthou emphasized. Increasing the number of vaccinated dogs will significantly reduce the risk of transmission, particularly among children and families, she added.
To support the campaign, the city has allocated P6 million to fund free anti-rabies vaccinations, spay and neuter services, and improved pound management operations.
The CVO is also strengthening its education campaign to promote responsible pet ownership and raise awareness about pet owners’ obligations. Efforts to manage the stray animal population will be intensified through expanded free “kapon” services and humane control programs.
Residents who wish to avail themselves of vaccination or spay and neuter services may register with the CVO and wait for a text confirmation of their schedule.
The house-to-house vaccination drive will be rolled out in other barangays in the coming months, with updates to be posted on the office’s official social media page.
Mayor Greg Gasataya said the vaccination program forms part of the CVO’s core services and reflects the city government’s commitment to further improving public health and animal welfare services./PN
