ANTIQUE — The Office of the Provincial Veterinarian (ProVet) Antique is strengthening its rabies prevention efforts by offering free anti-rabies vaccination and faster local testing as the province observes World Rabies Day on September 28, 2026.
ProVet Veterinarian IV Dr. Marco Rafael D. Ardamil said the provincial government received 300 vials of anti-rabies vaccine from the Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Office through the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI).
While regular walk-in clients at the provincial veterinary office are charged a P100 vaccination fee under the new provincial revenue code, Ardamil said the vaccines provided by the national government will be prioritized for free mass vaccination activities, particularly in areas where positive rabies cases have been reported.
“Ang rabies vaccine nga halin sa DA, ginaprioritize natun nga itugro nga libre sa mass vaccination sa mga lugar dya sa Antique nga may mga positibo nga kaso kang rabies,” Ardamil said.
As of September 20, ProVet records showed nine positive animal rabies cases in Antique in 2026. Five were recorded in barangays of San Jose, while Hamtic and Belison each recorded two cases.
Ardamil said the increase in confirmed animal cases may also reflect greater public awareness, as more residents are having animals tested after possible exposure.
He noted that despite the continuing animal cases, Antique has recorded no confirmed human death from rabies in the past three years.
Faster rabies testing
ProVet has also improved its diagnostic procedures with support from a Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) project under the BAI to facilitate faster post-bite treatment for people exposed to potentially rabid animals.
Previously, the entire head of an animal had to be removed and transported to Iloilo for examination. Ardamil said the procedure was cumbersome, impractical, and posed potential risks related to exposure to infection.
Since September 3, ProVet has trained animal technicians from municipalities across the province on how to extract brain samples from animals at the site and place them in smaller, more manageable containers for transport to the laboratory.
The brain samples can now undergo rapid testing directly at the ProVet office in San Jose.
Ardamil said the rapid test is free and can provide an initial result within an hour. However, the result is not considered the official diagnosis, as the remaining specimen is still sent to a laboratory in Iloilo for confirmatory testing.
The faster initial result allows health authorities to determine more promptly whether a person bitten by an animal may require appropriate treatment, including vaccination or rabies immunoglobulin.
One Health approach
This year’s World Rabies Day theme, “Stronger Together,” highlights the One Health approach, which recognizes the interconnected health of people, animals, and the environment in preventing and controlling rabies.
Ardamil said addressing rabies requires coordination among veterinary and livestock agencies, the human health sector, government institutions, and environmental authorities.
“Naga emphasize dya sa ginatawag nga One Health strategy,” Ardamil said, adding that preventing rabies cannot be addressed by the veterinary sector alone.
As part of the World Rabies Day observance on September 28, ProVet is also pushing for a free rabies vaccination drive and giveaway activity for pet owners at Robinsons Antique Mall, although the event was still awaiting final approval as of the latest update./PN
