ILOILO — The government is set to launch the “Biyayanihan 2026 Neutering Caravan” in eight municipalities this September, bringing free spay and castration services to 1,600 dogs and cats as part of an intensified campaign to promote responsible pet ownership, reduce the stray animal population, and strengthen rabies prevention across the province.
The Office of the Provincial Veterinarian (OPVet) said the caravan will cover Lemery, Ajuy, Banate, Cabatuan, Anilao, Pavia, Zarraga and Oton, with each municipality allotted 200 pets for free neutering services.
“Throughout the event in Iloilo, a total of 1,600 dogs and cats, with 200 per municipality, will benefit from free spay and castration services,” said OPVet head Dr. Darel Tabuada.
He urged pet owners to coordinate as early as possible with their respective Municipal Agriculture Offices for registration.
The caravan forms part of continuing efforts to encourage responsible pet ownership, improve animal welfare, control the growing stray population and support community-based rabies prevention programs.
Neutering, which includes spaying female animals and castrating male animals, helps prevent unwanted breeding, reduces the number of stray dogs and cats, and contributes to healthier pets. Together with regular vaccination, it is considered one of the most effective long-term strategies in rabies control and animal population management.
The caravan will begin on Sept. 1 in Lemery, followed by Ajuy on Sept. 2, Banate on Sept. 3, Cabatuan on Sept. 4, Anilao on Sept. 6, Pavia on Sept. 7, Zarraga on Sept. 8 and Oton on Sept. 9.
Aside from the neutering caravan, OPVet and the Municipal Agriculture Offices continue to conduct dog vaccination in all 43 municipalities and Passi City.
The provincial government has allocated P10 million to purchase 19,832 vaccine vials capable of covering at least 70 percent of Iloilo’s estimated 337,953 dog population this year./PN
