LAGAWE, Ifugao- – Dogs also want to have some fun. And so are their owners.
It is for this reason that a “Dog Walk” activity capped recently a half-day program marking concerted efforts to instill in the people’s minds the importance of the anti-rabies vaccination.
The program was spearheaded by the Lagawe-based Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO). It is headed by Dr. James Gopeng.
Governor Pedro Mayam-o has noted a marked improvement in the drive to contain the rabies problem in the last ten months.
“It’s time to be knowledgeable of the dangers of rabies since the stakes are so high,” Governor Mayam-o told the ZigZag Weekly.
“Rest assured, that I shall do my best to protect our people, most especially the young, and at the same time promote the health care program in the province,” he added.
Governor Mayam-o was one of the main speakers of the program.
“We have to make sure that pertinent information is disseminated to the people, particularly in the grassroots level,” he motioned.
“That is understandable because this is a matter of public safety and welfare,” he pointed out.
Indeed, right now the prevalent feeling is that the PVO succeeded in raising the awareness of the provincial government’s thrust to undercut the problem.
The PVO, as many are aware, has been elevating the consciousness of the people on the consequences of ignoring the dangers of rabies.
Key PVO officials stressed the vitality of programs geared at prevention and control of canine rabies, vaccination protocols, and massive anti-rabies vaccination in the barangays, mange treatment of dogs as well as the Anti-Rabies Act and Animal Welfare Act.
Other participants include Lagawe Mayor Martin Habawel Jr., Dr. Cecilia Capuyan, Roy Fiaching, Dr. Kevin Jim Luna, Dr. Roland Pila, Marietta Blanco and Dr. Jordan Bayudang.
PVOs’ Haydec Rushell Cablinau also took part actively in the progam.
An anti-rabies vaccine is pegged at Php 500. So, this is not just a health issue, this also has a financial component, so a preventive measure is important.
By all accounts, the “Dog Walk” activity was impressive. It should be noted that it was conducted for the first time by the PVO. Believing in all the good faith that was shown by its organizers, is it not possible to hold a dog show next year?
At the risk of being too helpful to the officialdom, a greater hand of the private sector in the program of the PVO by 2018 likewise should be considered for reasonable lengths.
Initiatives to ensure human protection against animal bites have steadily grown in Ifugao in recent years. All thanks to the hardworking and dedicated men and women of the PVO. In alleviating the sufferings and anguish of victims of dog bites, compassion and competence by the PVO personnel are undeniably important. **By Anthony A. Araos
