PDA CO-CONDUCTS SEMINAR-ORIENTATION ON ANTI RABIES ACT OF 2007

July 3, 2015.  PDA, in partnership with the Department of Health, conducted the district-wide orientation on Republic Act No. 9482 or the Anti-Rabies Act of 2007. 

Rabies virus is spread through the saliva of an infected animal, usually through bites.   It may also be transmitted through the saliva of an infected person or animal touching an open wound or mucous membrane. The bite of a rabid animal deposits the virus in the muscle and subcutaneous tissues, then travels to nearly all parts of the body, including the brain, ultimately leading to death. It is characterized by muscle paralysis, hydrophobia and aerophobia and other neurological disorders.  Rabies is fatal, but preventable.

In most developing countries such as the Philippines, majority of reported cases of rabies can be traced back to stray dogs and cats.  In the province of Camarines Sur, there were 54 deaths due to Rabies from 2010-2015.   Of this figure, 11 or 20% are cases from the fourth congressional district of Camarines Sur (Partido). 

In keeping with the mandate of RA 9482, the Partido Development Administration and the Department of Health initiated the conduct of a district-wide Information Education Campaign (IEC) on the Anti-Rabies Act of 2007.   This activity was attended by Municipal Health Officers, ABC Presidents, Municipal  Councilors on Health and Municipal Agriculturists in Partido.  The resource speakers were from Department of Health, headed by Regional Director Emilia Municimpo and OIC-PHO- Dr. Wilfredo Banequid, Provincial DOH Officer Dr. Rey Millena.  Others resource speakers were from the   Department of Agriculture and the Provincial Health Office of Camarines Sur.  Representative Wimpy Fuentebella, congressman of Partido and PDA c0-chairman, also delivered his message on the importance of widening IEC on rabies control and prevention and gave a presentation on the Career Path for Filipino Health Workers. He also requested the LGU representatives to submit to his office a list their proposed priority projects for funding so that he can make the necessary representation with the concerned agencies.  

At the end of the activity, there was a consensus that the district orientation will be cascaded to the municipal level to enhance rabies awareness among Partido constituents, encourage responsible pet ownership and improve the local response to rabies - a fatal but preventable disease.  A schedule for the ten municipalities will be prepared by the PDA, in coordination with the DOH-V, DA-V, PHO, municipal agriculturists, municipal health officials and barangay officials.  

            Regional Director Municimpo of the Department of Health delivers her message

The organizers, guests and participants to the seminar-orientation on Anti-Rabies Act of 2007

cr: Melissa L. Celestial

Wednesday, July 15, 2015 | 2:50PM