Provincial Veterinary Office Northern Samar

𝐏𝐕𝐎 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐀𝐎 𝐁𝐨𝐛𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐔𝐩 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐕𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐍𝐞𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐨𝐠𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐫𝐠𝐲. 𝐒𝐚𝐧 𝐉𝐮𝐚𝐧

The Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) of Northern Samar and the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) of Bobon, Northern Samar, jointly conducted a mass anti-rabies vaccination and neuter activity in Barangay San Juan, Bobon, upon the invitation of the LGU Bobon on May 29, 2026.

The MAO of Bobon initiated the program, implementing it one barangay at a time to ensure organized and effective delivery of veterinary services across the municipality. During the activity, each office took charge of specific interventions — the PVO led the neutering procedures, while the MAO of Bobon spearheaded the mass anti-rabies vaccination for dogs and cats.

A total of 14 dogs and 4 cats were administered anti-rabies vaccines, while 8 cats and 4 dogs successfully underwent neutering or castration procedures.

The barangay-by-barangay approach demonstrates the MAO’s dedication to systematically reaching every community in Bobon, promoting responsible pet ownership, rabies prevention, and animal population management in close collaboration with the Provincial Government of Northern Samar.

𝐁𝐀𝐈 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐊𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐒𝐅 𝐃𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐫 𝐏𝐕𝐎

The Provincial Government of Northern Samar, through the Provincial Veterinary Office (PGNS-PVO), expresses deep gratitude to the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) for the provision of vital animal health supplies, distributed through the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 8 (DA RFO8), Tacloban City.

The turnover included four (4) sets of spay and neuter surgical kits, one (1) vaccine carrier with thermostat and two (2) boxes of African Swine Fever (ASF) detection kits — all of which are expected to significantly strengthen the province’s capacity in addressing priority animal health concerns.

The spay and neuter surgical kits are a welcome addition to the PVO’s ongoing efforts to manage and reduce the population of stray dogs in Northern Samar. Uncontrolled stray dog populations remain a key concern in the province, not only in terms of public safety but also in the context of rabies prevention and control. With these kits, PVO team will be better equipped to conduct spay and neuter operations in communities across the province, contributing to a more humane and sustainable approach to stray animal management.

Meanwhile, the ASF detection kits are expected to play a critical role in protecting the province’s swine industry. African Swine Fever continues to pose a serious threat to hog raisers throughout the country, and early detection is essential in preventing the spread of the disease. With these kits now in the hands of the PVO, local veterinary personnel will be able to conduct on-site testing more efficiently, enabling faster response and containment measures in the event of a suspected outbreak.

The PGNS-PVO extends its heartfelt appreciation to the Bureau of Animal Industry for the timely and meaningful support, as well as to DA RFO 8 for facilitating the distribution of these resources. The provincial government remains committed to advancing animal health and welfare in Northern Samar through sustained collaboration with national government agencies and partner institutions.

𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐔𝐩 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲: 𝐁𝐨𝐛𝐨𝐧 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐬 𝐃𝐨𝐠 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬' 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠

The Municipality of Bobon, through the Municipal Agriculture Office, took a significant step in its rabies prevention efforts by initiating a "Dog Catchers' Training" on April 8, 2026, held at the Municipal Covered Court, Bobon, Northern Samar. The activity was conducted in collaboration with the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO), who served as resource persons throughout the training. A total of 55 participants attended, composed of barangay captains and tanods, with three representatives from each barangay across the municipality.

The program opened with welcome remarks delivered by Hon. Pelagio C. Casinas Jr., Chair of the Committee on Agriculture, who expressed the municipality's firm support for the rabies program through the elimination of stray dogs. He emphasized that the local government had already begun identifying and acting on the interventions needed to address the issue from the municipal level down to the barangays.

Hon. Reny A. Celespara, Municipal Mayor, then delivered an inspirational message, underscoring the administration's commitment to community safety through the systematic elimination of stray dogs. He urged all barangay captains to adopt the municipal rabies ordinance in their respective barangays to ensure the strong and consistent implementation of dog catching and impounding activities. Mayor Celespara also announced plans to allocate budget for the enhancement of the municipal dog pound and proposed the provision of incentives for all dog catchers as a recognition of their vital role in the program. Also present during the activity was Mr. Romeo N. Enero, Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer (MENRO), who showed his full support for the initiative, recognizing the importance of responsible stray dog management not only for public health but also for the well-being of the community and the environment.

The second part of the program featured topic discussions relevant to dog catching and rabies control, presented by the PVO team, who shared technical knowledge and practical guidance with the participants. The afternoon session shifted to a more hands-on approach, with a live demonstration of dog catching techniques and strategies, followed by actual practice where representatives from each barangay had the opportunity to perform the techniques themselves.

The training concluded with Part III — the Closing Program, which included the distribution of certificates to all participants. Ms. Lina O. Adriatico, Municipal Agriculturist, delivered the closing remarks, calling on all barangay officials to work together toward the common goal of eliminating stray dogs for the safety and well-being of the entire community.

This meaningful activity was made possible through the dedication and initiative of Dr. Babbeth Aubrey B. Gajutos, the Municipal Veterinarian in charge, along with the hardworking and ever-active staff of the Municipal Agriculture Office of Bobon.

The success of this training also stands as a testament to the strong and unwavering collaboration between the Provincial Government of Northern Samar and its municipalities. Through the active technical support and extension services of the Provincial Veterinary Office, local government units are empowered to take concrete, ground-level action in the fight against rabies. This partnership reflects a shared vision and collective commitment — working hand in hand across all levels of governance — toward the ultimate goal of a Rabies-Free Northern Samar.