BACOLOD City — The Bacolod City Government has expanded its free rabies vaccination program to include more animal bite patients under priority sectors.
Under Executive Order (EO) No. 059, signed by Mayor Greg Gasataya on October 8, the city will now provide free rabies vaccines to categories II and III patients, particularly senior citizens, indigent residents, and other marginalized groups.
The measure was issued following reports from the City Health Office (CHO) showing a significant increase in animal bite incidents, prompting the need for broader access to post-exposure prophylaxis.
Before the EO’s issuance, only category III patients were entitled to free rabies vaccination.
“In the interest of public welfare and for the protection of public health, this executive order ensures that category II patients can also receive free rabies vaccines,” Gasataya said.
From January to June 2025, the CHO recorded 5,637 animal bite cases under categories I and II, and 1,088 cases under category III, reflecting the high demand for rabies post-exposure treatment.
Gasataya emphasized that the city government remains committed to safeguarding residents from the deadly threat of rabies through the availability and equitable distribution of vaccines.
The EO aligns with Republic Act No. 9482, or the Anti-Rabies Act of 2007, which mandates the free routine immunization of anti-rabies vaccines to priority sectors and post-exposure treatment for animal bite victims, in coordination with the Department of Health (DOH).
The CHO, through its Animal Bite Treatment Centers (ABTCs), will administer the free rabies vaccines and tetanus shots to qualified patients identified under the EO./PN
