ILOILO – Eleven municipalities have emerged as Iloilo’s strongest performers in the campaign to eliminate rabies by 2030, earning provincial recognition for meeting key standards such as zero human rabies deaths, wider dog vaccination coverage and effective stray animal control.
Rabies is a fatal viral disease commonly transmitted to humans through the bite or scratch of an infected animal, particularly a dog. It can be prevented through the vaccination of pets, responsible animal ownership and immediate treatment following possible exposure.
Oton topped the Provincial Rabies Control Committee’s evaluation of municipal rabies prevention and control programs for 2025, receiving a plaque and a P100,000 cash incentive.
Carles placed second and received P75,000, while Banate ranked third and took home P50,000.
Eight other municipalities — Ajuy, Batad, Barotac Viejo, Cabatuan, Concepcion, Leon, San Dionisio and Tubungan — each received a P20,000 special recognition incentive.
The Iloilo Provincial Government conferred the awards during the Provincial Health Office’s Health Excellence and Leadership Awards on July 30.
The municipalities were recognized for their sustained efforts in promoting responsible pet ownership, conducting mass rabies vaccination, strengthening disease surveillance and mobilizing community participation.
Dr. Darel Tabuada, head of the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian, said the municipalities were assessed based on the presence of a rabies ordinance and a functional municipal rabies control committee.
Other criteria included having a Department of Health-accredited animal bite treatment center, recording no human rabies death, achieving adequate dog vaccination coverage and implementing dog population control measures.
The evaluation also considered whether the municipality had a stray dog management program and had allocated funds for rabies prevention and control.
Tabuada said the initiatives of the recognized municipalities significantly contribute to Iloilo’s shared goal of becoming rabies-free by 2030./PN
