VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur (PIA) – Women in Ilocos Sur are stepping up as responsible pet owners, ensuring their pets are protected against rabies.
In celebration of National Women’s Month and Anti-Rabies Awareness Month, the Ilocos Sur Provincial Veterinary Office, in partnership with the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), hosted the “Bida ang Fur Mama” event on March 21, offering free anti-rabies vaccination, deworming, consultation, castration, and vitamins for pets.
138 pet owners, mostly women, took advantage of the free services at the Ilocos Sur Provincial Library, showing their commitment to pet welfare and community health.
Pet advocates
Donna Rosario, provincial veterinarian, emphasized that the event was dedicated to women pet owners, recognizing their role in responsible pet ownership and the fight against rabies.
“It is our responsibility to ensure that all dogs and cats are vaccinated to prevent rabies infestation in the province, because that is the only thing we can do,” Rosario said.
Rosario reiterated that rabies is 100 percent fatal but also 100 percent preventable, urging pet owners to prioritize vaccination to eliminate the disease.
“It is the same with humans that we have these rights and freedoms, for pets, we also need to show our care in terms of giving them their needs, especially the anti-rabies vaccine,” she added.
During the event, pet owners received free services, including Antiretroviral Treatment (ARV) for 49 pets, deworming for 34, castration for 20 cats and dogs, and 5-in-1 vaccination for 10 pets.
For Ma. Lourdes Mercado, a pet owner from Barangay Tamag, the program was a big relief.
“This free anti rabies vaccination and deworming organized by our provincial government is a big help because going to private clinics is expensive,” Mercado said.
Another pet owner, Elizabeth Ribucan, expressed her appreciation.
“It is important for us that it is free; if our pets get dewormed or vaccinated they will become healthier,” she said.
Driving change
Rosario reminded pet owners that vaccinations and consultations remain available year-round at the Ilocos Sur Provincial Veterinary Office.
She encouraged pet owners to continue being responsible pet advocates, ensuring their pets receive proper care.
By empowering women as leaders in pet welfare, Ilocos Sur is taking meaningful steps toward a rabies-free future—one pet owner at a time.(CCMT/ATV/AQA, PIA Ilocos Sur)
