The Provincial Veterinarian Office (PVO) remains optimistic that it will achieve its rabies vaccination target this year despite delays in the implementation of its mass vaccination campaign.
The PVO aims to vaccinate at least 70 percent, or 236,567 dogs, out of the province’s estimated dog population of 337,953 to help sustain herd immunity against rabies.
As of May 15, 2026, the office had vaccinated 111,940 dogs, equivalent to 35.49 percent of its target.
Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Darel Tabuada said the implementation of the rabies control program was delayed after funds for the procurement of an additional 12,000 doses of anti-rabies vaccine were released later than expected.
The annual vaccination campaign is typically conducted from February to April. While the program started on schedule in February this year, it was not completed within the intended period due to a shortage of vaccine supplies.
Tabuada said the office is now working to complete the vaccination drive before the onset of the rainy season, noting that wet weather poses significant challenges to field operations and vaccination activities in communities.
Despite the setback, the PVO remains hopeful of reaching its target, citing last year’s successful campaign, which achieved a 75 percent vaccination coverage and contributed to a decline in rabies cases across the province.
As of May 26, 2026, no human rabies deaths linked to dog bites have been recorded in Iloilo, a development health officials attribute in part to sustained vaccination and rabies prevention efforts.IMT
