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.

𝐏𝐕𝐎 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐕𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧 𝐃𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐮𝐰𝐚𝐧 𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐬𝐚𝐬𝐚𝐤𝐚 𝐚𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐝𝐚 2026

As part of the Municipality of Allen’s celebration of Buwan ng Magsasaka at Mangingisda 2026, the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) was invited to conduct a mass vaccination and neutering activity for dogs and cats on May 26, 2026, at the Municipal Agriculture Office of Allen. The activity aimed to promote responsible pet ownership and support the local government’s commitment to animal health and welfare in the community.

A total of 42 dogs and 11 cats received anti-rabies vaccinations during the one-day outreach, while 11 dogs and 3 cats were successfully castrated. The services were provided free of charge to pet owners in the municipality, giving residents the opportunity to have their animals protected and attended to by trained veterinary personnel. Adding to the festive spirit of the event, UNACHO Inc. also participated by distributing freebies to fur parents who brought their pets to the activity, making the experience even more rewarding for the community.

The activity reflects the continued partnership between the PVO, local government units, and private organizations such as UNACHO Inc. in bringing essential veterinary services closer to the public. Through initiatives like this, all stakeholders reinforce the importance of animal disease prevention and population management.

𝐏𝐕𝐎 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐬 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐢-𝐑𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐕𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 "𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐚𝐲𝐚 𝐬𝐚 𝐈𝐛𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐨" 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

The Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) of Northern Samar spearheaded a free anti-rabies vaccination activity for dogs and cats on May 23, 2026, at the Boulevard in Barangay Dalakit, Catarman, Northern Samar. The activity served as one of the featured services offered during the “Summer Saya sa Ibabao” celebration, which was organized by Provincial Tourism Office in connection with the 61st Founding Anniversary of the Province of Northern Samar. The event drew enthusiastic participation from fur parents in the community who took the opportunity to have their beloved pets protected against the deadly rabies virus at no cost.

A total of 64 dogs and 31 cats were successfully vaccinated during the one-day outreach activity, reflecting the strong turnout and the community’s growing awareness of responsible pet ownership. In addition to the anti-rabies vaccination, five (5) dogs also received deworming services, further contributing to the overall health and well-being of the animals served. The PVO team worked diligently to accommodate all pet owners who came to avail of the free veterinary services, ensuring that each animal received proper care and attention throughout the event.

The activity was made even more meaningful through the generous participation of UNAHCO Inc., a leading animal health and nutrition company in the Philippines. UNAHCO Inc. delighted the fur parents by distributing freebies that included dog food, shampoo, electrolytes and other pet care products, adding a festive touch to the event. The PVO expressed its heartfelt gratitude to UNAHCO Inc. for their continued support and partnership in promoting animal health and welfare in the province.

The successful conduct of this veterinary outreach is a testament to the PVO’s unwavering commitment to public health and animal welfare in Northern Samar. Rabies remains a serious public health concern, and through activities such as this, the PVO continues to work toward a rabies-free province. The office encourages all pet owners to actively participate in future outreach programs and to keep their pets’ vaccinations up to date for the safety of both animals and the communities they live in.

📣 𝐀𝐍𝐍𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐂𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓! 📣

𝐃𝐀 𝐑𝐅𝐎 8 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐕𝐎 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐫

The Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 8 (DA RFO), in collaboration with the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) of Northern Samar, conducted a serosurveillance activity on livestock and poultry species through blood collection from May 5 to 7, 2026, covering the municipalities of Las Navas, Catubig, Rosario, Allen, Victoria, and San Antonio.

Animals housed at the Libas Demonstration Farm in Pambujan were likewise included in the blood sampling, extending the activity's reach to government-managed livestock facilities in the province.

The serosurveillance focused on various animal species and aimed to determine the prevalence of endemic diseases threatening the livestock and poultry sector. Among the diseases being monitored are African Swine Fever (ASF), Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), Avian Influenza (AI), and Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis (CAE) and other diseases — illnesses that pose significant risks not only to animal productivity but also to public health and the agri-based economy of the region.

The activity serves multiple critical purposes. It provides an early warning system for the detection of public health threats arising from animal diseases, supports the verification of disease-free status needed for the movement and trade of livestock and poultry, and supplies data that will guide government veterinarians and agricultural officers in formulating effective disease prevention and control strategies.

Serosurveillance, which involves the analysis of blood serum samples to detect the presence of disease-specific antibodies or antigens, is a key tool in national and regional animal health programs. By tracking disease patterns across selected municipalities, the DA RFO 8 and PVO aim to ensure that Northern Samar's livestock and poultry industries remain protected, productive, and competitive.

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.

𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐑𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐞𝐬-𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐢 𝐚𝐬 𝐏𝐕𝐎 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐬 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐕𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐍𝐞𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞

𝐁𝐈𝐑𝐈, Northern Samar - In a significant stride toward achieving a rabies-free municipality, the local government of Biri initiated its yearly mass vaccination and neutering campaign for dogs and cats on April 28-30, 2026. The three-day activity, spearheaded by the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) of Northern Samar, successfully covered five barangays across the municipality, reaching hundreds of households through a coordinated door-to-door approach.

Over the course of the campaign, a total of 347 dogs and 67 cats were vaccinated against rabies, bringing protection to hundreds of pets and reducing the risk of rabies transmission within the community. In addition to vaccination, 15 dogs and 9 cats underwent neutering procedures — a key measure in managing the stray animal population and further supporting public health goals.

The smooth ex*****on of the campaign was made possible through the active coordination of the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) of Biri, headed by Mr. Mark Tamidles, and his dedicated staff. Their on-the-ground facilitation ensured that the PVO team could efficiently move across barangays and attend to as many animals as possible within the three-day timeframe.

Barangay officials and Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) played a crucial role in the success of the activity, accompanying the team during the door-to-door mass vaccination in each barangay. Their familiarity with local households and their ability to encourage community participation significantly contributed to the campaign's wide reach and effectiveness.

This annual undertaking is part of a continuing provincial effort to eradicate rabies in Northern Samar. Rabies remains a serious public health concern in many parts of the Philippines, and sustained vaccination drives such as this are essential in breaking the chain of transmission between animals and humans.

The Provincial Government of Northern Samar reaffirms its commitment to working hand-in-hand with local government units, municipal agriculture offices, and community stakeholders in advancing the shared goal of a rabies-free Northern Samar. Through sustained collaboration and community engagement, the province moves closer to this vital public health milestone.

𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐑𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐞𝐬-𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐨

The Provincial Government of Northern Samar, through Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO), successfully conducted a three-day neutering and mass vaccination campaign on April 21-23, 2026 targeting dogs and cats in the Municipality of San Antonio. The undertaking brought vital veterinary services directly to barangay communities, reinforcing the province's commitment to animal welfare and public health under the One Health approach.

Over the course of the campaign, veterinary teams performed neutering procedures on a total of 20 animals — 16 dogs and 4 cats. On the vaccination front, an impressive 688 animals received anti-rabies injections: 601 dogs and 87 cats. The scale of the effort reflects both the logistical preparation put into the activity and the enthusiastic response from the local community.

San Antonio Municipal Mayor Hon. Gary M. Lavin expressed his wholehearted support for the activity, underscoring its dual importance: managing stray dog populations in a municipality that welcomes a growing number of tourists, and sustaining the gains made in the province's drive toward being rabies-free.

The organized and seamless flow of activities across the barangays was made possible through the capable coordination of the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) of San Antonio. Under the leadership of Mr. Samuel Ostia, MAO and his staff facilitated scheduling, community mobilization, and on-the-ground logistics — ensuring that veterinary teams could move efficiently from one barangay to the next with minimal disruption.

The San Antonio campaign is part of a broader, continuing effort by the Provincial Government of Northern Samar to roll out similar activities across all municipalities in the province. Through persistent implementation of neutering programs and mass anti-rabies vaccinations, the PVO aims to build and maintain the conditions necessary for a permanently rabies-free Northern Samar — protecting both animal and human lives for generations to come.

𝐌𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐮𝐥 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐑𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐦𝐢𝐝 𝐏𝐮𝐬𝐡 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐑𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐞𝐬-𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐬

The Municipality of Capul took a decisive step in reinforcing its commitment to public health and responsible pet ownership as it initiated a series of activities centered on dog catching training, neutering, and vaccination of dogs and cats from April 14 to 16, 2026. The three-day undertaking was carried out in close coordination with the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) of Northern Samar, which served as the primary resource agency and led the conduct of castration and anti-rabies vaccination procedures. Upon the arrival of the PVO team, mass castration and anti-rabies vaccination of dogs and cats were immediately conducted in front of the Municipal Building of Capul, marking a strong and visible start to the initiative.

On the second day of activities, a Dog Catchers' Training was held with a total of 60 participants drawn from various barangays across the municipality. The participants included barangay captains, barangay officials, and barangay tanods, all of whom play a frontline role in the management and monitoring of stray animals within their respective communities. The training served as a capacity-building platform to equip local officials and personnel with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively address the stray dog population and promote responsible pet ownership at the grassroots level. Hon. Leonora F. Alfaro, Vice Mayor of Capul, graced the occasion and delivered a message of strong support for the program, underscoring the importance of collective action in eliminating stray dogs and cultivating a culture of responsible pet ownership throughout the municipality.

The castration and vaccination of dogs and cats continued on the remaining days of the activity, extending veterinary services to more animals and ensuring broader coverage across the locality. The collaborative effort was made possible through the coordinated initiative of the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO), headed by Mr. Eric S. Cabili, Officer-in-Charge, together with Mr. Ignacio Castillo, Agricultural Technician for Livestock. Their dedication and coordination with the PVO team were instrumental in the smooth and successful implementation of all scheduled activities throughout the three-day program.

The entire undertaking was carried out with the strong backing of Municipal Mayor Hon. Isidro S. Bandal, who has consistently prioritized the Rabies Prevention and Control Program as a cornerstone of the municipality's public health agenda. Capul was officially declared a Rabies-Free Municipality in 2018, and the current activities reflect the local government's unwavering resolve to sustain and protect that hard-earned status in the years ahead. The Mayor's commitment to this program continues to inspire unified action among local government units, barangay officials, and community members in keeping Capul free from the threat of rabies.

This activity was made possible through the support of the Provincial Government of Northern Samar, which remains steadfast in assisting local government units in implementing animal disease prevention and control programs across the province. Through the continued partnership between the provincial and municipal governments, activities such as these serve not only as public health interventions but also as powerful expressions of the shared commitment to community welfare, animal welfare, and the long-term sustainability of a rabies-free Northern Samar.

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.