THE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) reiterates its call for local government units to intensify rabies prevention and control measures in accordance with Republic Act No. 9482 or The Anti-Rabies Act of 2007.
The DILG’s advisory came after the Department of Health (DOH) warned against complacency, stressing that rabies can be fatal and can be transmitted through bites, scratches, or saliva of infected animals, including both domestic pets and strays. The DOH said that while recent data showed a downward trend — 211 rabies cases nationwide from January 1 to August 2, 2025 compared to 266 cases recorded during the same period in 2024 — LGUs and the public should not let their guards down.
The DILG said RA 9482 states the specific responsibilities of LGUs, including the appointment of veterinarians and establishment of a veterinary office in all provinces, cities, and first-class municipalities, and the designation of Municipal Agriculturists in 2nd to 5th class municipalities for rabies control. LGUs are also expected to enact ordinances and allocate funds to support the National Rabies Prevention and Control Program, which should include the regulation of unsafe traditional treatments such as tandok.
Local governments are also urged to undertake the following activities: mass dog vaccination, registration, and control of stray animals; establishment and maintenance of dog pounds individually or jointly with other LGUs or private facilities; enforcement of responsible pet ownership and prohibition of dog trading; posting of rabies-related information in pet shops, among others.
This initiative is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call to bolster public health initiatives at the community level and enforce responsible governance in managing preventable diseases.
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