MANILA, Philippines — Senator Grace Poe introduced a Senate bill on Tuesday that mandates the establishment of public veterinary clinics in every local government unit (LGU) across the Philippines to address the rising threat of rabies.
The bill directs each city and municipality to set up at least one veterinary clinic. These clinics will provide free rabies vaccinations and basic veterinary services for both pets and stray animals.
Senator Poe emphasized the need for accessible veterinary care to stop rabies transmission to humans. She described rabies as a growing public health concern and highlighted the importance of community-based animal healthcare.
The Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) will oversee the program’s implementation. The bill requires LGUs to allocate funding for constructing, operating, and maintaining the clinics.
The proposed measure also instructs the clinics to launch public awareness campaigns on responsible pet ownership and rabies prevention. The bill supports the government’s goal to eliminate rabies nationwide by 2030.
The World Health Organization reports that rabies causes thousands of deaths annually, particularly in Asia and Africa. The bill aims to increase early detection and treatment through local veterinary services.
Senator Poe urged lawmakers to act swiftly and pass the bill, stressing the need to protect public health and promote animal welfare through timely government action.
