Aside from the regular clean-up drives, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin “Benhur’’ Abalos Jr. appealed to the public to have their dogs and other pets vaccinated to prevent the spread of the disease.

He issued the call after the Department of Health (DOH) recorded at least 89 cases of rabies from January to March 16 this year, resulting in a 100 percent fatality rate.

In its report, the DOH noted that SOCCSKSARGEN had the highest number of cases at 12, followed by CALABARZON and the Bicol Region with 11 each.

The DOH report added that many of the rabies cases, at least 82, were caused by dog bites, five were cat bites, while two were bites from other animals.

Expounding further on the dangerous effects of the virus, Abalos warned rabies also affects domestic animals such as pigs and anyone who eats infected pigs may also acquire the disease.  

He also emphasized that rabid dogs who were put down should not be eaten as “pulutan (appetizers served for alcoholic drinks).”

"Basta makagat ka ng aso na may rabies at hindi ma-treat agad, pupunta ito  (virus) sa utak , maglalaway ka, matatakot ka sa araw at wala ng gamot, para ka na ring nauulol na aso (If ever you get bitten by a dog with rabies that is not immediately treated, the virus will run through your brain, you will be drooling, you will be fearful daily and it has no cure, you will be like a dog going crazy),’’ Abalos warned.

The DILG chief also stressed that “litterbugs should not be penalized but instead must be asked to do community service.’’

“Ang sabi ko sa mga mayor, wala ng penalty, kawawa naman. Magwawalis na lang siya maski isang oras o kaya naman kung tinapon niya sa ilog, doon siya sa ilog, kunin niya ang basura para matuto (I told the mayors, don’t impose penalty, they will be pitiful. They will just sweep even for an hour or if they disposed the waste in the river, let them go to the river and retrieve the garbage to teach them a lesson),’’ Abalos said.