DILG urges LGUs to step up rabies prevention efforts

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has urged local government units (LGUs) to strengthen their rabies prevention programs.

This came after the Department of Health (DOH) recorded 211 rabies cases across the country from January 1 to August 2, 2025.

“The 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,” it said in a statement on Wednesday.

According to the department, RA 9482 requires LGUs to appoint veterinarians and establish veterinary offices in all provinces, cities, and first-class municipalities.

Meanwhile, second- to fifth-class municipalities are required to designate municipal agriculturists to help control the spread of rabies, the DILG noted.

READ: DOH logs 211 rabies cases from January to August 2025

“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,’” the department stressed.

“Tandok” is a traditional practice in which rabies is supposedly extracted from a wound through animal horns or improvised suction devices.

The DILG also urged LGUs to conduct mass dog vaccinations, tighten control of stray animals, and enforce responsible pet ownership. /jpv

(2025/08/20-15:28)

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