THE Department of Agriculture in Negros Island Region (DA-NIR) has recognized local government units, barangays, and animal welfare groups who have outstanding performance in implementing initiatives under its Rabies Control and Prevention Program.
The DA-NIR’s Rabies Control and Prevention Program Committee initiated the first Outstanding Rabies Program Implementer Awards at the Bacolod Pavillon Hotel on March 30.
For city category, DA-NIR awarded La Carlota, Kabankalan and San Carlos in Negros Occidental, and Bayawan and Tanjay in Negros Oriental.
Among the municipalities recognized were Binalbagan in Negros Occidental; and Bindoy, Sta. Catalina and Dauin in Negros Oriental.
The Bayawan City Barangay Livestock Aide, Sta. Catalina Barangay Livestock Aide, Bindoy Barangay Livestock Aide, Hinigaran Paravet Association, and Negros Oriental Veterinary Caravan Team were named most outstanding volunteer groups.
Other awardees were Barangay Estefania Animal Welfare Organization, Island Rescue Organization-Bacolod, Community Animal Rescue Efforts-Bacolod, Responsible Dog Owners of Bacolod, and Kabankalan Canine Club.
DA Regional Director Joyce Wendam said the activity is aimed at recognizing the invaluable efforts of different sectors in the region.
Wendam said that all sectors, especially local government units, should vigorously pursue the vision for a rabies-free region amid the recent two rabies death cases in Cauayan town.
“This means that we should exert best efforts to passionately pursue our vision. These incidents should inspire us more to succeed by looking at it positively,” Wendam said.
For NIR to be declared rabies-free region, it must have no reported and confirmed human rabies death cases for three consecutive years, she added.
