268 PETS OF BARANGAY SANKANAN GETS FREE ANTI-RABIES VACCINATION

For a rabies-free community of Manolo Fortich

In its ceaseless aim to be a rabies-free community, the Local Government Unit of Manolo Fortich, along with the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO), kicks off the first leg of its annual Free Massive Anti-Rabies Vaccination Program, beginning with Barangay Sankanan, Manolo Fortich, on Wednesday, February 21, 2024.

As stipulated in the Municipal Codified General Ordinance No. 2019-1255, Article A, Section 3A.03, “Any person who owns pet dogs shall practice responsible pet ownership and be held liable for their pets' misdemeanors.” Thus, the Massive Anti-Rabies Vaccination Program aims not only to promote a rabies-free community but also to encourage local dog owners to be responsible for their pet ownership, including their pets' health and security.

MAO Veterinarian Dr. Richard E. Duites, one of the vaccinators of the program, explained the importance of the Anti-Rabies Vaccination in an interview, stating, “Importante gyud na mahatagan og Anti-Rabies nga bakuna atong mga alaga nga iro ug iring kay para ma proteksyonan sila na dili matakdan sa sakit na rabies. Kung dili sila matakdan sa sakit na rabies, dili pud sila makatakod sa tao na ilang mapaakan. So, safe sila ug safe ra pud ang mga tao nga nanag-iya sa ilaha.”

The team from MAO who conducted the anti-rabies vaccination divided themselves among the 8 zones of Barangay Sankanan. They visited the first 4 zones of Barangay Sankanan, namely Zone 7 Gauron, Zone 8 Maralum, Zone 5 New Sankanan, and Zone 1 in the morning, followed by the next 4 zones in the afternoon with Zone 6, Zone 4, Zone 3, and Zone 2 being visited. Each set of 4 zones was simultaneous.

Barangay Sankanan Agriculture Committee Chairperson Hon. Lorey Mae Anlagan emphasized the significance of conducting the anti-rabies program per zone instead of generally conducting it in the Barangay Covered Court, stating, “Ang atong mga taga zona diri like New Sankanan, Maraulom, Gauron, lisod na kaayo toh sila mangabot diri during RQPS. So, mas maayo gyud na ihatod nato sa ilang tugkaran ang serbisyo sa gobyerno.”

In total, 268 pets were successfully vaccinated at Barangay Sankanan. 240 are canines or dogs, while 27 are felines or cats, which included 1 rescued civet.

Perla Cabarles, from Zone 5 New Sankanan, deeply appreciated the Massive Anti-Rabies Vaccination Program since traveling with her dogs is quite a hassle for her, stating, “Salamat jud kaayo sa LGU sa Manolo Fortich kay ni abot sila diri sa zona para magbakuna. Akong upat ka iro maglisod na gyud ko og dala nila para pabakunahan. Maayo ning naa ra sa duol sa among zona kay at least na hinayhinayan ra nako silag dala dinhi kay Doctor.”

A rabies-free community is an objective to be collectively accomplished by both the residents and the LGU of Manolo Fortich. It is by the initiative and duty of all pet owners to give rightful care to their pets to cater to their health for a safer environment. Furthermore, the LGU of Manolo Fortich continues its Free Massive Anti-Rabies Vaccination Program for the coming weeks with Barangay Lindaban to be visited next on Wednesday, February 28, 2024.