PROVINCIAL VETERINARY OFFICE OF BUKIDNON AIDS MAO AS MASSIVE ANTI-RABIES VACCINATION CONTINUES

For a rabies-free community of Manolo Fortich!

WEDNESDAY—The Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) of the Local Government Unit of Manolo Fortich, in close coordination with the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) of Bukidnon, worked together to combat the risks posed by rabies among dogs and cats as the second phase of the Free Massive Anti-Rabies Vaccination continued at Barangay Lindaban, Manolo Fortich on February 28, 2024.

Four veterinarians from PVO, namely Dr. Azalea M Daraman, Dr. Princess Erika L. Valiente, Dr. Kharinine Escasinas, and Dr. Rosell G. Yasaya, accompanied by MAO Veterinarian Dr. Richard E. Duites, initiated simultaneous vaccinations across the five zones of Barangay Lindaban. Personnel and graduating students undergoing the On-The-Job (OJT) Training Program assisted in the activity.

According to MAO, the initiative was a response to a request from Barangay Lindaban through Agriculture Committee Chairperson Hon. Redege B. Gawahan. This was aimed at preparedness for any rabies-related incidents and to ensure safety. Hon. Gawahan expressed his personal statement regarding the goal, “Mas tsada gyud if naka anti-rabies sila tanan diri tungod kay para ra pud na sa mga tao nga naa silay safety ug dili sila mabalaka og ayo in case mapaakan.”

On the other hand, PVO Veterinarian Dr. Rosell G. Vasaya also emphasized the threats of rabies if left unchecked during an interview, “Kinahanglan gyud malikayan nato ang paglaganap sa sakit sa rabies. Ang rabies, ma-prevent lang kini pinaagi sa pagbakuna ug 100% usab kini nga makapatay gayod sa nabiktima sa rabid nga dog. 100% kini fatal.”

In total, 219 pets from Barangay Lindaban were successfully vaccinated as the program also conducted house-to-house visits in each zone. The majority came from Zone 3 with over 62 vaccinated, followed by 52 from Zone 1, 39 from Zone 5, 35 from Zone 2, and 31 from Zone 4. Of these, 198 were canines or dogs, while 21 were felines or cats.

Adonis Sablayan of Zone 5 is the owner of Chichay, a female black canine, who benefited from the vaccination. He regularly ensures Chichay receives her annual vaccination against rabies. The Massive Anti-Rabies Vaccination program is one initiative that has helped him. “Maygani kay naa ra diri sa duol ang pagpabakuna kay hasol na mo agto pa sa sentro ug para pud dili na gasto sa among part mga naay binuhi na magpatubil pa gyud ug magbayad sa pagpabakuna,” he shared.

The activity is mandated by Municipal Codified General Ordinance No. 2019-1255, Article A, Section 3A.03, which states, “Any person who owns pet dogs shall practice responsible pet ownership and be held liable for their pets' misdemeanors.” Furthermore, the LGU of Manolo Fortich contributes by encouraging pet owners to fulfill their responsibility through facilitating free anti-rabies vaccination services. It is also an obligation for owners to be mindful of this commitment when owning a pet. Overall, pet lovers of Manolo Fortich are strongly encouraged to come together to build a rabies-free community.