MANILA, (PIA) — Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos urged pet owners to vaccinate their animals, particularly dogs, against rabies. He made the call during a recent clean-up drive in Las Piñas City, citing a significant rise in rabies cases this year.
“The record of rabies cases is high today,” Abalos said in Filipino. “Perhaps you can spread the word and warn the public so they can have their pets vaccinated, especially dogs.”
The Department of Health (DOH) earlier reported at least 89 rabies cases from January to March 16, 2024, with a 100 percent fatality rate. Soccsksargen region had the highest number of cases (12), followed by Calabarzon and Bicol (11 each). Dog bites were the cause of infection in most cases (82), followed by cat bites (5) and bites from other animals (2).
Abalos highlighted the dangers of rabies, emphasizing that the virus can infect domestic animals like pigs. He warned against consuming meat from rabid pigs and discouraged the practice of eating “pulutan” (beer match) made from rabid dogs.
“If you are bitten by a dog with rabies and it’s not treated right away, the virus will attack your brain,” Abalos explained in Filipino. “You’ll salivate, become afraid of sunlight, and there will be no cure. You’ll be like a rabid dog yourself.”
Cleanliness and community service
Shifting focus to the clean-up drive, Abalos advocated for community service as a consequence for littering instead of penalties.
Secretary Abalos is joined by Vice Mayor April Aguilar, some local officials and residents. (Photo: Las Piñas PIO)
“I told the mayors to forgo penalties,” Abalos said in Filipino. “Don’t punish them. Just make them sweep for an hour, or if they threw trash in the river, make them pick it up from there. Let them learn their lesson.”
Abalos commended the participation of Las Piñas residents in the clean-up activity and praised the city’s overall cleanliness.
“I’m happy to see all sectors represented here today,” Abalos said. “My gratitude to the people of Las Piñas. This city is truly clean. I am very impressed with all of you. This is a testament to your commitment to hygiene.”
“Our unity is key,” he stressed. “Let today be the start of our commitment to cleanliness. If every house is clean, the entire community will be clean.”
The event is part of the “Kalinga at Inisyatiba para sa Malinis na Bayan” or “KALINISAN” clean-up drive in Barangay BF International in Las Piñas City. (PIA-NCR)
