LAOAG CITY, Oct. 8 (PIA) – The first annual search for ‘Rabies Control Best Implementers’ was successfully launched in Ilocos Norte for various stakeholders who have shown exemplary efforts in making their communities rabies-free.
The event was participated in by individuals, villages and city or municipalities who have greatly contributed in the anti-rabies campaign of Ilocos Norte and the Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC).
“The program seeks to encourage and highlight the best practices of the communities and individuals in rabies prevention and eradication,” Dr. Dianne Licuan, GARC field veterinarian said.
The municipality of Bacarra which won as the best implementer in the municipal category was recognized for its organized database registration of pet owners and their dogs to monitor regular vaccination.
“There is an ordinance in Bacarra where astray dogs were impounded and owners will pay a fine for their freedom. This is to regulate the presence of astray dogs in the community,” Licuan said.
In this community, the pet owners were also made responsible for the expenses incurred by the victims of dog bite to promote responsible pet ownership.
Winners were awarded with a plaque of recognition and a cash prize during the awarding ceremony held at the provincial capitol recently.
The winners were evaluated by the technical working committee from the Provincial Rabies Control Committee (PRCC) identified under the Provincial Ordinance No. 82-97 entitled ‘An Ordinance Governing Rabies Control in the Province of Ilocos Norte.’
For the Barangay Category, the winner was Brgy. Sta. Rosa, Laoag City. Dr. Rufino Cravalho was awarded in the Individual Category; and Mr. Jose Caliboso, Jr. was cited as the Best’ Bantay Rabies sa Barangay Volunteer.’ (CHERRY JOY D. GARMA/PIA-1, Ilocos Norte)
