A MEMORANDUM of understanding (MOU) is eyed to be signed between the local government of Davao City and University of the Philippines (UP) Mindanao on the establishment of cooperative research relationship in the area of animal rabies.
The 18th Davao City Council approved on first reading the MOU that has been certified "with no legal infirmities" by the Davao City Legal Office last May 2, 2018.
The copy of MOU read that each party will foster a collaborative research relationship that is focused on the evaluation of rabies transmission and control strategies implemented locally as a management's decision tool to improve the Rabies Intensification Program of Davao City.
The said memorandum enumerates its activities like sharing of data on rabies epidemiology and control programs; knowledge and skill exchange through trainings and workshops; interaction on methods and experimental design; statistical, mathematical, geospatial, biological and epidemiological analysis of rabies in Davao City; formulation of recommendations to improve the Rabies Intensification Program of Davao City; and preparations of publications, Information Education and Communication (IEC) and promotional materials.
The item is already endorsed to the committee on rules, privileges, laws and ordinances of the City Council chaired by Davao City Councilor J. Melchor Quitain, Jr. for appropriate action. (Weleen Dupa & Gaudencia Omboy, Notre Dame of Midsyap College interns)