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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider Bulacan leads first nationwide mass spay and castration drive

Bulacan leads first nationwide mass spay and castration drive

Published Mar 20, 2026 12:58 pm  |  Updated Mar 20, 2026 01:04 pm
Governor Daniel R. Fernando, along with provincial veterinarian Dr. Voltaire G. Basinang, visits cats and dogs following surgery during the nationwide mass spay and castration initiative led by the Bulacan Provincial Veterinary Office, held on March 19, 2026, at the Capitol Compound, City of Malolos. (Photo by Freddie Velez)
Governor Daniel R. Fernando, along with provincial veterinarian Dr. Voltaire G. Basinang, visits cats and dogs following surgery during the nationwide mass spay and castration initiative led by the Bulacan Provincial Veterinary Office, held on March 19, 2026, at the Capitol Compound, City of Malolos. (Photo by Freddie Velez)
The Provincial Government of Bulacan, through the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO), led the country’s first nationwide mass spay and castration project in Malolos City on Thursday, March 19, in observance of Rabies Awareness Month with the theme “A Rabies-Free Future Starts with Me.”
The initiative was carried out in partnership with the Provincial, City and Municipal Veterinarians League of the Philippines (PCMVLP), the Philippine Veterinary Medical Association (PVMA), and CPF.
The event was hosted at the PVO Capitol Compound in Malolos, with veterinary offices across the country joining in real time via Zoom.
Provincial veterinarian Dr. Voltaire G. Basinang said the campaign is anchored on four advocacy pillars: responsible pet ownership, animal welfare, rabies control and eradication, and recognition of veterinarians’ vital role in public health and community safety.
At least 3,000 spay and castration procedures were conducted nationwide in a synchronized, single-day campaign.
The project was simultaneously implemented in 22 provinces, 40 cities, and 19 municipalities, including Bulacan’s cities of Baliwag, Malolos, San Jose Del Monte, and Meycauayan, as well as the municipalities of Pulilan, Santa Maria, Paombong, Bocaue, Norzagaray, and Marilao.
In an audio-visual presentation, Senator Mark Villar stressed that rabies remains a preventable yet fatal public health threat in the Philippines, largely due to the growing number of stray and unvaccinated animals.
He emphasized that spay and castration, vaccination, and public awareness are key to eliminating the disease.
Rabies can incubate undetected in humans and animals for two months to one year, making prevention and early intervention crucial.
Dr. Lina S. Policarpio, PVMA president, noted that there are an estimated 10 to 13 million stray animals in the country that could spread rabies.
She expressed gratitude to veterinary offices and pet owners who participated in the campaign and promoted responsible ownership.
Governor Daniel R. Fernando, a devoted pet owner, announced the upcoming opening of the Provincial Veterinary Hospital, which will provide free services for pets across Bulacan.
He urged Bulakenyos to embrace responsible pet ownership through proper care, vaccination, and humane treatment.
"Huwag tayong maging tagamasid lamang, kailangan maging bahagi tayo ng solusyon. Magpakapon, magpabakuna at magpa-vaccine ng mga alaga. Hindi lamang sila libangan, sila ay umaasa sa atin. Ituring po natin na ang mga hayop ay parang tao. Ang mga hayop ay parang tao na may pakiramdam, marunong magmahal at magbantay. Sila ay may buhay din (Let’s not just be observers, we need to be part of the solution. Spay, vaccinate, and care for pets. They are not only entertainment, they depend on us. Animals are like humans with feelings, they know how to love and protect. They have life too),” Fernando said.
The event also highlighted calls for Congress and the Senate to pass the pending bill mandating veterinary offices in all municipalities, with Senator Villar, Rep. Salvador Pleyto, and Rep. Joseph Bernos leading the legislative effort.
Local chief executives were likewise urged to commit to creating or strengthening municipal veterinary offices during their incumbency.

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