In line with the campaign against the spread of rabies in the region, the Department of Agriculture (DA)- MiMaRoPa Livestock Program successfully conducted the 3rd Regional Rabies Summit themed “Collaboration and sustainability towards Rabies-Free MiMaRoPa 2025” and free mass spay and castration for dogs and cats held in Odiongan, Romblon on Sept. 9-13, 2019.
Spreading the awareness on the effects of rabies if a rabid dog bit a human and promoting the good practices in taking care of pets such as dogs and cats were the goals of this summit.
Local government officials and baranggay officials in Romblon, selected officials from Department of Interior and Local government (DILG) and health officers from the municipalities of the province.
Dr. Josue Victoria, the Provincial Veterinarian of Marinduque, shared their strategies and experiences before their province declared as “Rabies Free” since 2013. He mentioned that the eliminating Rabies is easy, but sustaining it is much difficult. “kungmahirappuksainangrabies, mas mahirappoangpagme-maintain namaging rabies-free angisangprobinsya.” He said.
Dr. Daphne L. Jorca, the Alternate national Rabies Focal Person of Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) discussed the rabies status of MiMaRoPa Region. She stated that the region is going near to a rabies free region, with the effortsof the veterinarians of DA and BAI to prevent the spread of rabies.
Dr. Jobin G. Maestro, the municipal health officer of Alcantara, Romblon discussed the rabies management of their municipality. He also shared their experience in handling rabies cases in Alcantara.
Open forum was followed after the series of discussions. The queries of the participants were clearly answered by the guest speakers.
Then, all of the accomplices went in a signing of commitment wall as a proof that they will be an advocate in the spreading the information regarding rabies.
301 dogs and cats were neutered and vaccinated by the Marinduque Animal Rescue Team during the week of activity.
Other activities happened in the summit were Poster Making Contest and quiz bee about rabies which participated by the selected students in each province and cities in the region.
