No paw, hoof, or feather will be left uncounted for as the Iloilo City Government unveils the Veterinary Emergency and Tracking Alert System (VET Alert), a grassroots monitoring program designed to protect animals during outbreaks and disasters.
City Veterinarian Dr. Fernando Abulencia said VET Alert is among the flagship programs of their office, aiming to keep an accurate inventory of all animals across Iloilo City’s 180 barangays.
“This is a community-based monitoring system. We will train local responders to use a digital dashboard for real-time reporting,” Abulencia explained.
While awaiting the Bureau of Animal Industry’s official dashboard in October, barangays will begin recording through logbooks.
The program will cover all animals—not just dogs and cats—making disease detection and containment faster during emergencies.
“With a proper inventory, outbreaks become easier to manage,” Abulencia stressed.
Currently, animal counts rely only on vaccination records, which reflect about 10 percent of the human population. VET Alert is expected to provide a fuller, more reliable picture.
The launch gathered animal health and welfare officers from 25 barangays in Molo district. They underwent training on animal disease surveillance, monitoring, and later took their oaths as deputized officers.
Councilor Johnny Young, chair of the City Council Committee on Animal Welfare, highlighted the system’s importance.
“Disasters such as typhoons, floods, disease outbreaks, and even conflicts often leave animals vulnerable and neglected. Our preparedness and quick response can save countless lives,” he said.
With VET Alert, Iloilo City positions itself as a model of animal welfare and disaster resilience, ensuring that in times of crisis, every creature counts.IMT
