BONTOC, Mountain Province – Prioritizing the safety of its people as well as the cleanliness and sanitation of the town center, the Bontoc Local Government Unit (LGU) through the Office of the Municipal Agriculturist (OMAg) conducted the first-ever Dog Catching Training in the municipality on March 16-17, 2023, at Fesway Building, Eyeb, Poblacion, Bontoc, Mountain Province.
The trainers are Veterinarian I, Dr. Michael Takinan, Dog Impounders Kevin Tictica and Andogan Revira who are all from Baguio City Veterinary and Agriculture Offices (CVAO).
According to Municipal Agriculturist Renato Falag-ey, Bontoc has recorded a total five rabid dog cases since January 2023 which has imposed health threats to the community. Thus, this training is seen as one of the solutions to prevent the increase of rabies cases as well as to improve the cleanliness and sanitation of this capital town.
In his message, Mayor Jerome “Chagsen” Tudlong, Jr., expressed his utmost gratitude to the Baguio CVAO for heeding to the Bontoc LGU’s request for assistance as well as the participants for their willingness and commitment to learn and contribute to the promotion of a safer and cleaner Bontoc.
“On behalf of the people and officialdom of Bontoc, I thank the City Government of Baguio through its CVAO for their positive response as well as our participants from the central barangays for their willingness to become part of the solution of a major problem here in the municipality,” he added.
Further, Sangguniang Bayan Member Benedict Odsey II mentioned that this training will capacitate participants the necessary skills and techniques for dog catching which will be of great help in lessening the number of stray dogs in the central barangays.
Mayor Tudlong and SB Member Odsey reiterated their appeal to the public regarding responsible pet ownership and encouraged everyone to cooperate in the promotion and maintenance of a healthy and clean environment.
The 17 participants are the different Barangay Tanods from Barangays Bontoc Ili, Samoki, Caluttit and, Poblacion as well as personnel from the Municipal Health Office and Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office. By Christy Mae F. Che-es
