Senator Mark Villar has urged immediate and comprehensive action against rabies, stressing that deaths are “not just statistics” but preventable tragedies.
In a privilege speech for Rabies Awareness Month, Villar cited the case of a student who died after a dog bite, calling it a clear gap in access to treatment and animal vaccination.
Despite a 65% drop in cases, the Philippines still ranks 6th worldwide in rabies incidence, with gaps in healthcare support and vaccination monitoring.
To address this, Villar pushed his proposed measures, the Animal Medical Center Act which seeks to establish veterinary clinics in every city and municipality, and the Stray Animal Adoption Incentives Act aimed at reducing the country’s 13.11 million stray animals.
He also urged shared responsibility, saying while government must provide vaccines, pet owners must ensure their animals are protected to prevent more deaths.IMT
