Pudtol, Apayao celebrated Rabies Awareness Month on March 28, 2017, through a dog walk and a public consultation seminar through the Apayao Provincial Health Office headed by Dr. Mary Ann Soriano-Canonizado, Provincial Health Officer, who facilitated the activity in coordination with the Apayao Provincial Veterinary Office, the Municipality of Pudtol, and DA-RFO-CAR.
Veterinarians from Cordillera office of the Department of Agriculture (DA-CAR), the Baguio City Veterinary Office, and the municipal and provincial veterinary offices of Apayao rendered public consultation and free anti-rabies vaccinations. A total of 92 dogs were vaccinated.
Several guidelines for prevention and control for canine rabies were discussed by Dr. Cecilia Capuyan of DA-CAR and Dr. Ralph Verzon, Apayao Provincial Veterinarian.
“This is to inform the participants on what to do in cases of dog bites because many pet owners still don’t know the importance of rabies vaccinations,” Dr.Verzon stated.
The Animal Welfare Act was presented by Marietta Blanco while Mr. Ronald Aguirre of the PHO discussed the Guidelines on the Prevention and Control of Rabies in Humans.
Dr. Soriano-Canonizado said that prevention is always better than cure. “As a pet owner it is part of our responsibility to care for our pets,” she added.
In Pudtol, the “Anti-Rabies and Responsible Pet Ownership Act” has already been passed. However, it lacks implementation in the municipality and the province. Through these activities, they hope to increase the awareness regarding the ordinance and compliance to the law.
Also, all municipalities in Apayao have their own Animal Bite Treatment Center.
Next year, the municipality of Pudtol, Apayao will be giving out certificates and monetary reward to the barangay with the best rabies and prevention control program.
In the end, Dr. Soriano-Canonizado encouraged everyone by saying, “Let us all work together hand in hand to end rabies.”
By Ayra Galanza & Leny Mendoza