ILOILO – In a bold bid to eliminate rabies cases by 2030, the Iloilo provincial government has intensified its mass neutering campaign targeting stray dogs and cats — identified as major carriers of the deadly disease.
As of Oct. 10, the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian (OPVET), led by Dr. Darel Tabuada, has successfully neutered over 1,000 companion animals across the province.
The operation is part of a sweeping Rabies Prevention and Control Program that aims to drastically curb stray populations, one of the primary sources of rabies transmission.
“It’s not just about neutering; it’s a holistic approach that requires collective effort and ongoing education within the community,” said Dr. Tabuada, who heads the dedicated OPVET surgical team.
Rabies, a fatal viral infection commonly spread through the bites of infected animals, continues to claim lives in the Philippines each year. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates thousands of human deaths annually, mostly in rural areas where stray dogs and cats proliferate.
According to OPVET, the neutering initiative has already reached 29 municipalities, offering free surgical services to 1,089 pets since January.
The program also promotes responsible pet ownership and community awareness on rabies prevention through coordinated efforts with Municipal Agriculture Offices and barangay officials.
Local government units (LGUs) have stepped up vaccination drives and information campaigns to complement the neutering operations. Public cooperation, officials stress, is key to achieving the province’s long-term vision of a rabies-free Iloilo.
Dr. Tabuada emphasized that sustained collaboration among LGUs, barangay leaders, and residents will determine the program’s success.
“It’s not just about neutering,” he reiterated, “it’s a holistic approach that requires collective effort and ongoing education within the community.”
Residents are also encouraged to adopt pets from shelters and participate in awareness activities to further reduce the stray population./PN