LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Dr. Racquel S. Ogoy of the Provincial Hospital Management Services Office (PHMSO) reported during the Sangguniang Panlalawigan session on July 8 that the provincial government has earmarked funds amounting to P16 million for the purchase of anti-rabies vaccines.
On the other hand, Dr. Ana Maria Teresa de Guzman said the Provincial Health Office (PHO) allocated P1 million as a buffer fund for the same program.
Dr. De Guzman added that vaccines coming from the Department of Health (DOH) are coursed through the PHO and distributed to the 12 animal bite treatment centers that are located in the various government hospitals in Pangasinan. The DOH provided 10,376 vaccines in 2023, while 6,470 were given by the agency to the province during the first semi-annual period for 2024 (January to June).
The PHO Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit recorded nine deaths due to rabies as of July, which is 125% higher compared to the recorded cases in the same period last year (Jan. 1–July 8).
This prompted the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) to conduct an inquiry regarding the increase in rabies cases.
With Board Member Jerry Agerico Rosario as principal sponsor, the inquiry was anchored not only on the incidents of rabies but also on possible measures to address the said concern.
Board Members Rosario, Rosary Gracia P. Tababa, and Nicholi Jan Louie Sison encouraged all local government units to work hand-in-hand with the provincial government in addressing rabies cases in the province.
LGUs were also encouraged to come up with strategic plans such as the provision of dog pounds to enclose stray dogs in their locality and stricter laws for responsible pet ownership, among others.
Provincial Veterinarian Arcely G. Robeniol was also present in the inquiry, along with a representative from the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation-Regional Office.
The Rabies Control Program will be a fully devolved program by 2025. This means that the program will be handed down to the LGU next year. (Ruby F. Rayat, Joey Olimpo/PIMRO)
