To curb the rising population of stray animals and prevent the spread of rabies, the Provincial Veterinary (ProVet) Office of Palawan has launched an extensive free vaccination and neutering campaign, bringing critical veterinary services to far-flung communities.
Over a three-day span from February 25 to 27, more than 200 dogs and cats in the municipality of Rizal received free anti-rabies vaccinations, while 130 underwent neutering procedures, according to Dr. June Clyde Descallar, Provincial Rabies Coordinator and leader of the ProVet Surgery Team.
The initiative aligns with Palawan Governor Dennis M. Socrates’ directive to extend government veterinary services to local municipalities, ensuring both animal welfare and public safety. By addressing rabies prevention and reproductive control, officials hope to reduce the risks associated with stray animal overpopulation, which has long been a challenge in rural communities.
The mass vaccination and neutering drive is part of ProVet’s observance of Rabies Awareness Month this March, a national campaign promoting responsible pet ownership under the theme, “Rabies Free na Pusa’t Aso, Kaligtasan ng Pamilyang Pilipino.”
The effort also comes amid a nationwide push to eliminate rabies cases, a persistent public health concern in the Philippines, where the disease remains endemic in certain regions.
Veterinary officials stress that community engagement is essential in making rabies eradication a reality. Local pet owners have welcomed the initiative, recognizing the long-term benefits of keeping their animals vaccinated and neutered.
The province’s approach reflects a growing trend in the Philippines, where local governments are taking a more proactive stance in addressing rabies through free public vaccination programs.
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