ILOILO – Alarmed by the surge in animal bite cases, the Iloilo provincial government has called on local government units (LGUs) to strengthen their anti-rabies campaigns as part of a province-wide push to eliminate the deadly disease by 2030.
Provincial Administrator Raul Banias revealed that around 200 Ilonggos are bitten by animals daily, mostly by dogs — a figure he described as “a public health crisis that demands urgent, unified action.”
He led the World Rabies Day celebration and awarding ceremony held on October 1 at Punta Villa Resort, Iloilo City.
“We gather not only to raise awareness but to confront the seriousness of this public health crisis,” Banias said, speaking on behalf of Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. “As a community, we must recognize the challenges posed by rabies and work collaboratively to develop effective strategies to mitigate its impact.”
From January to June 2025 alone, 35,522 individuals sought medical treatment at the region’s Animal Bite Treatment Centers, underscoring the magnitude of the problem.
Rabies, a viral disease transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, is almost always fatal once symptoms appear — but entirely preventable through vaccination.
Rabies-Free Goals and Local Gains
Despite the alarming numbers, Iloilo has made progress toward its 2030 rabies-free target. Eleven island barangays in Concepcion have already achieved rabies-free status, along with four in Ajuy, one in San Dionisio, and eight in Carles.
The provincial government, through the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian, has been investing millions of pesos annually for the procurement of anti-rabies vaccines and the maintenance of Animal Bite Treatment Centers in municipalities and district hospitals.
Banias expressed optimism that the target could be achieved through a “whole-of-province” approach. “We must all contribute to the cause of responsible pet ownership,” he urged. “This includes promoting pet registration, facilitating mass vaccination drives, and enhancing community education about rabies and its prevention. Making responsible pet ownership the standard practice is essential for protecting our people and ensuring a healthier future for all residents.”
The celebration also honored local “rabies heroes” — individuals and groups recognized for their outstanding contributions to rabies prevention and awareness in their respective communities./PN
