The Iloilo City Government, through the Office of the City Veterinarian (OCVet) led by Dr. Fernando Abulencia, has implemented comprehensive animal welfare programs in the first year of Mayor Raisa Treñas' administration. These initiatives have significantly strengthened rabies prevention, stray animal population management, and responsible pet ownership.
Key Programs and Achievements
The city launched the Iloilo City P.E.T.S. (Protect. Educate. Track. Sterilize.) Program, which integrates rabies control, stray animal management, pet registration, microchipping, sterilization, rescue, adoption, and public education. Complementing this are VetAlert (Veterinary Emergency and Tracking Alert System) for early disease detection and outbreak response, and PAWTect (Safe Paws, Safe Iloilo City) for animal welfare enforcement and disaster preparedness.
From July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, the city vaccinated 39,909 dogs and cats against rabies through walk-in services, field drives, and special activities. Additionally, 1,265 animals were sterilized, including 524 spayed and 741 neutered, to humanely control the stray population. OCVet also rescued 101 dogs and conducted 194 veterinary consultations.
Community Engagement and Education
To promote long-term awareness, the city held 40 education campaigns in schools and communities, reaching 8,115 participants on responsible pet ownership and rabies prevention. At the barangay level, Barangay Animal Welfare and Health Officers (BAWHOs) were organized in 145 barangays for grassroots monitoring and rapid response. The office issued 505 veterinary health certificates to regulate animal movement.
Public Health Outcomes
Despite 12 canine rabies cases in 2025 and four cases as of June 30, 2026, Iloilo City maintained zero human rabies cases and zero human rabies deaths during the period. According to the OCVet, this success is due to aggressive vaccination, community education, and coordinated response. Performance data show that the office exceeded major targets for rabies vaccination, spay/neuter services, and dog impounding.
Future Plans
The city aims to sustain high vaccination coverage, implement mandatory pet registration through tagging and microchipping, expand sterilization and adoption initiatives, and strengthen barangay-based digital monitoring via VetAlert. Mayor Treñas stated, "Investing in animal welfare is also an investment in healthier, safer, and more compassionate communities." Through strengthened veterinary services and community participation, Iloilo City continues to demonstrate that responsible pet ownership and effective public health programs go hand in hand.
