1CAV spearheads free anti-rabies vaccination for dogs

By Gideon C. Corgue

LABANGAN, Zamboanga del Sur – In line with the government’s goal of a rabies-free Philippines, the 1^st Cavalry Squadron (Tagapanguna) Battalion (1CAV), Mechanized Infantry Division, Philippine Army in partnership with the Office of Provincial Veterinarian conducted on Friday a free anti-rabies vaccination for dogs at its headquarters in Camp Col. Jacobe Zobel, Pulacan in this town.

Lt. Col. Charlemagne Batayola Jr., 1CAV commanding officer said pet owners composed of military personnel, dependents and civilians brought their respective dogs inside the headquarters for vaccination.

Batayola said at least 50 dogs were given vaccination against rabies during the said activity.

Rabies awareness is celebrated annually every 3^rd month of the year pursuant to Anti-Rabies Law of 2007 otherwise known as Republic Act 9482.

Batayola said the activity is a manifestation of the 1CAV’s support to the anti-rabies campaign of Department of Health (DOH) conducted every month of March, which seeks to make the Philippines a rabies-free by 2020.

Rabies is a fatal and viral disease that can be transmitted to humans through bites of infected animals, usually dogs.

Batayola believes that dog vaccination is the key strategy to control and eliminate rabies.

Batayola said a study reveals that Philippines is one of the top ten countries with rabies problem.

“The DOH has reported that rabies causes 200-300 deaths among Filipinos every year thus the government is relentlessly pursuing its campaign to completely eradicate rabies in the country in the next coming five years,” Batayola said.

“Kahit maliit lamang na bagay na aming gingawa pero naniniwala ako na ito ay sapat na makatulong sa rabies problem ng ating bansa. Ang mahalaga’y makapagbigay kami ng kontribusyon para gawin namin ang aming area na isang ligtas na lugar,” Batayola explained.

(Even though what we are doing is just a little thing but I believe that this can help solve rabies problem in our country. What is important is that we can give our contribution for us to make our area a safer place to live).

Batayola also underscored the importance of continuously educating the public to further increase their awareness not only on the nature, symptoms, prevention and control of rabies but also on the provisions of the anti-rabies law as well as the guidelines for responsible pet ownership.