THE Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) of Negros Occidental in collaboration with the Philippine Veterinary Medical Association Western Visayas–B and Himamaylan City Agriculture Office is holding a Rabies Awareness Caravan and Forum at the city’s multi-purpose gymnasium today, September 26.

Themed “Rabies: Share the Message, Save a Life,” the activity is part of the 2018 World Rabies Day celebration.

Provincial Veterinarian Renante Decena, in a press release, said each year the international community unites to promote fight against rabies.

Decena said that for Negros Occidental, Himamaylan City is an ideal venue for rabies awareness caravan and forum given that the locality has the highest number of rabies cases in the province.

“The activity aims to underscore the commitment of the local government unit through an interactive rabies symposium and signing of a covenant for rabies elimination,” he added.

During the activity, Dr. Ryan Janoya and Dr. Ruffa Gersaniva of PVO’s Animal Health and Meat Inspection Services Division will present the current rabies situation in the province.

The PVO along with partners will also conduct a veterinary medical mission including free veterinary services including anti-rabies vaccination, consultations, and deworming, among other animal health-related activities.

Decena said the activity is an opportunity to also spur community participation, education, and public awareness.

These are key factors for the successful implementation of the National Rabies Control and Prevention Program of the government provided under Republic Act 9482, or Anti-Rabies Act of 2007, he added.