ILOILO – Naborot, an island barangay in San Dionisio town, had been declared rabies-free.
“The island joins 27 other areas in the province of Iloilo that had previously achieved the same status,” said Dr. Darel Tabuada, head of the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO), on Thursday morning.
Naborot registered no human or animal rabies incidents over the past two years.
“Moreover, all documentary requirements were duly met,” added Tabuada.
The criteria for a rabies-free designation are:
* having at least 70 percent of the dog population vaccinated over the past two years
* creating and implementing local ordinances on rabies prevention and control
* maintaining the presence of an effective rabies control committee
* operating an adequate surveillance system
* ensuring the availability of both human and animal anti-rabies vaccines and implementing health education and advocacy
* integrating the rabies program curriculum in elementary schools
* celebrating Rabies Awareness Month and World Rabies Day
On Wednesday, Oct. 18, the Sub-National Rabies Control Committee Technical Working Group (TWG) Region 6 officially declared the island rabies-free.
The TWG consisted of: Dr. Pacifico Lumauag III of the Department of Agriculture (DA) Region 6, as chairperson; Department of Health (DOH) Region 6 rabies medical coordinator Dr. Marie Jocelyn Te, as vice chairperson; and other members including DOH regional rabies program manager Ame Liz Mardoquio; Police Captain Ritchie I. Besa of the Police Regional Office 6; Marinela A. Cuadras-LGOO V, representative of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 6; and Philippine Coast Guard Region 6 Ensign Janelee R. Mojica.
Representatives from the Provincial Rabies Control Committee included Provincial Rabies coordinators Marisil Cabiguin of the Iloilo Provincial Health Office, Jingle Cantero, and Dr. Darin Corcolla of the PVO.
Program Sustainability
Tabuada said Naborot Island would be awarded a P50,000 cash incentive from DOH-6 to foster ongoing efforts in rabies prevention and control.
An established barangay ordinance is already in effect, and a Municipal Rabies Control Committee has been set up.
The Municipal Rabies Control Committee consists of Municipal Agriculturist Marie Vic Abiar and her team; Dr. Jose Edwin Figura, Municipal Health Officer, and his team; Rufino Alkonga, Sangguniang Bayan (SB) on Agriculture; Joseph Rhoel Bajada, SB on Health; and MLGOO Peter Medez.
The province’s next target is Sicogon Island in Carles, which comprises three barangays: Alipata, Buaya, and San Fernando.
“While challenges may arise, we remain committed to achieving the rabies-free declaration for this island,” said Tabuada.
The PVO also reiterates its appeal to pet owners to act responsibly and ensure their dogs receive vaccinations. This initiative aligns with the provincial government’s ambitious goal to be recognized as rabies-free by 2030.
Currently, the province boasts 28 rabies-free areas, all located on islands. These include six areas in Carles, 18 in Concepcion, three in Ajuy, and one in San Dionisio./PN
