THE Department of Health (DOH) – Ilocos Region, in partnership with the local governments of Infanta and Anda, has intensified its call for community-driven action to strengthen rabies prevention efforts across Pangasinan during this month’s celebration of Rabies Awareness Month held on March 30 and 31, 2026 respectively.
Bright banners, families with leashed pets, and full support from determined local leaders as their activity was focused on educational session on rabies transmission, responsible pet ownership, and proper animal‑bite management, followed by community action planning and the signing of a Pledge of Commitment to sustain local rabies-control measures.
In Anda, pets and pet owners join in an energetic “Walk With Your Pet” parade, free anti‑rabies vaccinations, pet registration services brought prevention to the streets under the theme “Rabies‑Free na Pusa’t Aso, Kaligtasan ng Pamilyang Pilipino.”
“Every vaccinated pet and every timely wound‑care visit is a shield for our families,” Regional Director Paula Paz M. Sydiongco reminded.
“Prevention is simple, affordable, and lifesaving — vaccinate pets annually, register them, and seek immediate care for any bite. Together, barangays and households can close the door on rabies.”
Ilocos Region now counts 111 certified Animal Bite Treatment Centers (ABTCs) and Animal Bite Centers (ABCs)— Ilocos Sur 25; Ilocos Norte 12; La Union 17; Pangasinan 57 — providing post‑exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and wound care.
Region 1 reported 335,517 animal bite incidents in FY 2025, signaling urgent need for expanded vaccination and bite prevention.
Suspected cases: Twelve (12) suspected rabies cases were reported in the region from Jan 1– Dec 31, 2025; surveillance and response remain active.
Regional Rabies Prevention and Control Program Manager Ana Fe D. Perez emphasized that if bitten, it is important to clean the wound immediately and proceed to the nearest Animal Bite Treatment Center (ABTC). “It is likewise important to follow through with prescribed vaccinations. A single community‑wide push — education, vaccination, registration — will save lives, ” she added.
Pet owners were also reminded to vaccinate pets yearly, register animals, and never leave bites untreated. For LGUs, conduct regular mass vaccination and registration drives; support ABTC access and community education. For residents, wash bites with soap and water for 10–15 minutes and seek post‑exposure prophylaxis right away.
DOH Ilocos Region remains committed to technical support, ABTC certification, surveillance, and partnership with LGUs to move the region toward rabies elimination.
The Infanta and Anda activities demonstrate that when communities act together, a rabies‑free Ilocos is within reach. Both LGUs are actively preparing for their Rabies‑Free Zone certification, demonstrating clear progress in mass vaccination, pet registration, and bite‑case management.