BONTOC, Mountain Province – The provincial government further strengthened its advocacy on rabies prevention in celebration of the World Rabies Day on September 28, 2024.
The Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) and the Provincial Health Office took the lead in the celebration with the assistance and active participation of the Philippine National Police, the Municipal Government of Bontoc thru its Municipal Health Office led Municipal Health Officer Diga Kay Gomez and the Office of the Municipal Agriculturist, and the pet owners.
The celebration started with a dog walk from the Municipal Capitol going to the Provincial Plaza where the education, information, and communication campaign on rabies and other activities were held.
This year’s celebration of the World Rabies Day carried the theme, Breaking “Rabies Boundaries.” Provincial Health Officer Carolyn D. Yawan explained that this theme reflects the urgent need to transcend the barriers that hinder rabies elimination across the world and acknowledges not only the obstacles within the people’s control but also the transboundary nature of rabies itself.
“Breaking rabies boundaries calls for innovative strategies, collaboration, and coordination across various sectors and regions, highlighting the importance of integrating human, animal, and environmental health efforts,” Yawan continued.
In addition, Yawan said that the theme also highlights the “Zero by 2030” goal. This goal is a global strategic plan for the elimination of dog-mediated human rabies deaths by 2030. Yawan said that this goal requires breaking several boundaries, including scaling up vaccination programs and increasing disease awareness by acknowledging the importance of the community as a key stakeholder in rabies elimination, among others.
Subsequently, PVO Provincial Government Assistant Department Head Doris C. Cobaldez said that responsible pet ownership is a contributory factor in achieving the 2030 zero rabies goal.
Cobaldez also thanked and acknowledged the sponsors who donated the prices for the fun games including pet accessories and purified water. The sponsors are Family Savings Mart, Kukudong Trading, Bagsi Dry Goods, Georlitz Drygoods/ Trading, Aaron Kudkudong, Winterfell Vet. Clinic, Vetcache Animal Clinic and an anonymous donor.
Meanwhile, a free anti-rabies vaccination and deworming, a pet blessing led by Reverend Father Edwin G. Ayabo and fun games were also conducted as part of the celebration. By Hail, MP