Bacolod City Intensifies Anti-Rabies Efforts with Door-to-Door Pet Vaccination Program
In a significant move to enhance public health and animal welfare, the Bacolod City Government has officially launched a comprehensive house-to-house pet vaccination program. This initiative is designed to bolster the city's ongoing anti-rabies campaign, responding to a recent uptick in reported cases and aiming to establish Bacolod as a rabies-free community.
Mayor's Directive and Strategic Goals
Mayor Greg Gasataya has directed the City Veterinarian's Office (CVO) to spearhead this campaign, emphasizing its alignment with the local government's service commitments. "This is part of the program that has been implemented by the city vet, which is part of our commitment to further improve the services offered by the city government," Gasataya stated. The program underscores a proactive approach to safeguarding residents and pets from the dangers of rabies.
Combining Vaccination with Education
Dr. Janine Sarthou, the assistant city veterinarian, highlighted that the effort integrates mass vaccination with enhanced education for pet owners. "We are doing this to eradicate and achieve a rabies-free city. This is also an opportunity for us to educate every pet owner," she explained. The dual focus aims to promote responsible pet ownership and maximize coverage, ensuring that more animals are protected against the disease.
Expanded Targets and Free Services
Building on past successes, the CVO has set ambitious goals for this year. Records from 2025 show that at least 80,000 dogs were vaccinated in Bacolod City. For the current campaign, the target has been expanded to at least 100,000 dogs, reflecting an updated prevention strategy. Sarthou confirmed that vaccinations are free for all Bacolod residents, with teams deployed across various barangays to conduct household visits according to a set schedule. The program is tentatively scheduled for completion between July and August.
Financial Allocation and Additional Initiatives
To support this vital public health effort, the City Government has allocated P6 million for the program. This funding covers not only free anti-rabies shots but also a complementary free spay and neuter (kapon) initiative. These measures are part of a holistic approach to controlling the pet population and preventing the spread of rabies, demonstrating the city's commitment to comprehensive animal health management.
As Bacolod moves forward with this door-to-door vaccination drive, residents are encouraged to participate actively to help achieve a safer, rabies-free environment for both humans and animals.
