LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – As highlight of the World Rabies Day 2016 celebration, the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian (OPVet) successfully conducted its Search for the Best Asong Pinoy (AsPin) recently at the Solid Waste Management Compound located within the Capitol area.
Awards were given to the Best AsPin, Well Groomed Pet, Best Dressed AsPin, and Most Behave Pet.
The OPVet initially planned to hold the search exclusively for the mongrels but decided to revise the contest due to the huge turnout of pets with breed that registered for the contest.
Bagging the Best AsPin Awards was the pet dog of Lanie Natividad from Binmaley town named Princess. The winning pet was chosen based on its grooming, health, and behavior.
Well-groomed pet award, on the other hand, was given to a shih tzu puppy named Diana which was clad in a pink get-up that matches its owner’s master Loreta Pulido dress, a resident of Brgy.Tonton in Lingayen.
The Best Dressed AsPin award was bagged by a two-year-old shiny black pet named Waddy which was handled well by the owner, Rai Rivera of Brgy. Libsong, Lingayen, during the parade. Pet with breed named Elizabeth owned by Cynthia Corpuz of Binmaley town notched similar award.
Most Behave award went to a mongrel named Bonsai whose owner, Rosalie Romero hails from Alvear St. in Lingayen town. Unlike its name, the AsPin is a huge breed.
As disclosed by Dr. Eric Jose Perez, OPVet chief, the event is not meant as a celebration alone but a wake-up call for every dog owner to start treating their pets as members of their family.
Perez said that pets specifically dogs must be treated not only as pets but as a companion, as well.
Meanwhile, Dr. Constancia R. Diaz, Chief RADDL, reminded all pet owners to avail of the various vaccinations offered by the government.
Aside from the anti-rabies vaccine, regular deworming every three to six months for dogs are important. Proper nutrition and hygiene should also be considered, she added.
Earlier, the OPVet along with the Provincial Health Office in partnership with the Department of Health (DOH) Region 1 has conducted a Health Leaders’ Summit for Rabies Prevention and Control which was participated in by local officials and different inter-local health zones in the province.
Information education and campaign (IEC) was also conducted as part of the celebration.
Perez noted that the provincial government, through his office and the PHO, aims to raise public awareness on responsible pet ownership.
Dog castration is also offered free by the OPVet.
By Dexter A. See
