To strengthen rabies prevention efforts, the Pasig City government provided free veterinary services, including anti-rabies vaccination, radio-frequency identification (RFID) microchipping, and spaying or castration, to hundreds of pet dogs and cats as the city kicked off Rabies Awareness Month 2026.

The activity was led by the city's Veterinary Services Department (VSD) at Maybunga Rainforest Park, where hundreds of dogs and cats owned by Pasigueños received free veterinary services. The program ran from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on March 6.

The local government said that based on the accomplishment report, 315 pets were vaccinated against rabies, 314 were microchipped, and 88 dogs and cats underwent spaying or castration. It was not specified whether some pets received more than one service.

Aside from the veterinary services, partner sponsors also set up booths that offered free pet supplies and merchandise to pet owners who attended the event.

During a short program, Dr. Maria Sheilla Ordinario of the Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Animal Industry delivered a message emphasizing responsible pet ownership and reminding the public about the provisions of the Rabies Act.

Vice Mayor Dodot Jaworski also attended the event and expressed his support, highlighting the importance of responsible pet ownership, including keeping pets from roaming freely and ensuring they wear leashes when brought to public areas to prevent incidents. He also reminded pet owners of existing ordinances requiring proper disposal of pet waste in public spaces.

The local government said that the activity aims to strengthen rabies prevention efforts in the city and encourage Pasigueños to practice responsible pet ownership. 

“Through the kick-off activity, attendees were provided with important information on rabies transmission, prevention, and the importance of regular vaccination and spaying or neutering of pets,” it said. 

The program also recognized barangays that actively implement rabies control programs in their communities.

For District 1, Barangays Bagong Ilog, Ugong, and Kapitolyo were recognized as Best Rabies Program Implementers. For District 2, Barangays Manggahan, Rosario, and Pinagbuhatan received the same recognition. Barangay Santolan was also awarded as the best barangay in assisting field control of stray animals.

The city government expressed gratitude to its partners, noting that the initiative was made possible through the support of the Philippine Veterinary Medical Association, Vets Love Nature, the Philippine Veterinary Drug and Nutrition Association, and the Philippine Animal Hospital Association, as well as volunteer students from the De La Salle Araneta University College of Veterinary Medicine. Several partner sponsors also provided crucial support to help ensure the success of the activity.

It also thanked the Pasigueño pet owners who participated in the event.

“Ang inyong pakikiisa sa pagpapalakas ng kamalayan tungkol sa rabies at sa pagsuporta sa mga libreng serbisyong beterinaryo ay patunay ng pagtutulungan ng Pamahalaang Lungsod at ng mamamayan sa iisang layunin na pangalagaan hindi lamang ang bawat pamilyang Pasigueño, kundi pati na rin ang mga alagang hayop na bahagi ng kanilang tahanan (Your support for rabies awareness and free veterinary services reflects the shared commitment of the local government and the community to protect not only Pasigueño families but also the pets that are part of their homes),” it stated. 

The activity is part of the observance of Rabies Awareness Month every March, in line with Executive Order No. 54, s. 1999, which aims to strengthen anti-rabies campaigns through vaccination, education, and the promotion of responsible pet ownership.