ILOILO – The Iloilo Provincial Government has trained 263 barangay vaccinators to strengthen the province’s frontline defense against rabies and other animal diseases while expanding basic veterinary assistance to livestock and poultry raisers in rural communities.
As of August 2026, the vaccinators had undergone training sessions spearheaded by personnel of the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian (OPVet), equipping them to carry out proper vaccination and help detect animal diseases at the community level.
The training covered proper vaccination practices, vaccine cold-chain management, disease recognition, preventive health and responsible drug use.
Participants also underwent practical field exercises on animal health assessment and handling, including hands-on exercises and demonstrations designed to give them real-world experience in assisting local livestock raisers.
OPVet stressed that equipping barangay vaccinators with basic vaccination protocols and animal-care knowledge is crucial because they provide services directly to communities across the province.
“With 263 barangay vaccinators trained in 2026, the program continues to build a resilient, community-based animal health network. Beyond skill-building, it positions vaccinators as vital frontline partners who empower farmers to protect their livestock, detect diseases early, and report outbreaks promptly — ultimately safeguarding rural livelihoods and advancing provincial food security,” OPVet said.
The barangay vaccinators also serve as OPVet’s partners in the province’s continuing anti-rabies vaccination campaign.
For 2026, the provincial government aims to vaccinate at least 70 percent of Iloilo’s estimated 337,953 dogs.
To help achieve the target, the provincial government allocated P10 million for the purchase of 19,832 vials of anti-rabies vaccines, which OPVet said would be enough to cover at least 70 percent of the province’s dog population.
For dogs not covered by the provincial vaccination allocation, OPVet is urging local government units to provide funds for additional vaccines.
Pet owners are likewise encouraged to have their dogs and cats vaccinated at private veterinary clinics to further widen protection against rabies./PN
