A total of 126 cats and dogs were vaccinated in Upi, Maguindanao del Norte by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Local Government Unit of Upi to strengthen rabies awareness month.
This activity starts the kick-off for the month-long celebration of the 2024 Rabies Awareness Month centered on prevention, control, and management.
Dr. Raheima A. Mangindra, MAFAR veterinarian, said on March 7, “MAFAR, together with our partners in LGU and IPHO, are here to campaign the 2024 Rabies Awareness Month.”
She said that the attendance of the pet owners in Upi is a manifestation that they are fully aware of the danger of rabies. It is a sign they are responsible for letting their pets vaccinated at all times.
“This program focuses not only on our pets but also on the community’s safety. Since rabies is 100% fatal to humans, it is also 100% preventable,” Doc Mangindra added.
Annually, Rabies Awareness Month is celebrated in March in accordance with R.A. 9482. With this year’s theme, “Rabies-free na pusa’t aso, kaligtasan ng pamilyang Pilipino.”
During the program, Councilor Neil Christopher Platon said that the Local Government Unit fully supports the campaign in rabies awareness month.
He said that LGU of Upi has already pushed this program, they have had ordinances in line with the program, including building an animal bite center for the community.
In addition, MAFAR will also conduct several anti-rabies vaccinations for animals in the coming months.
