Boehringer Ingelheim’s ‘Stop Rabies’ Program in Puerto Galera

As a mom and a dog lover, I know how important it is to keep our pets safe and healthy. We have a beagle at home, and like many families, we treat him as part of the family. That’s why when I hear about programs like Boehringer Ingelheim’s ‘Stop Rabies,’ I feel deeply connected to the cause. Not only is it about keeping our pets safe, but it’s also about protecting our communities, especially our children.

October 9, 2024, marks a significant step forward for rabies prevention in the Philippines as Boehringer Ingelheim (Philippines) Inc. launched the ‘Stop Rabies’ program in Puerto Galera, Mindoro. This initiative aims to make real progress towards achieving a rabies-free country by focusing on animal rabies mass vaccinations, neutering programs, and spreading awareness.

A Growing Threat in the Philippines

Rabies remains a serious public health issue, especially in marginalized, rural areas. The numbers are frightening: 169 recent human rabies cases have led to 160 deaths, with a shocking fatality rate of 94.67%. Most of these cases were caused by dog bites, which makes vaccination efforts even more crucial.

Dr. Alfredo Manglicmot, from the Provincial Veterinary Office of Oriental Mindoro, emphasized how rabies is still a huge threat in their region. Partnering with Boehringer Ingelheim, they aim to strengthen efforts in vaccinations, education, and castration to protect both people and animals.

The Importance of Animal Vaccination

Through the ‘Stop Rabies’ program, Boehringer Ingelheim hopes to vaccinate around 5,000 animals across 13 barangays in Puerto Galera, including areas like Aninuan, San Isidro, and Balatero. As pet owners, we know how vital vaccinations are—not just for the health of our furry family members but for the safety of everyone around us.

Neutering and Community Outreach

The program also focuses on neutering dogs and cats, in collaboration with several organizations like the Philippine Animal Hospital Association, Inc. (PAHA) and MiMaRoPa Surgeons. Not only does this control the animal population, but it also helps reduce the spread of rabies. In our family, we’ve made sure that our beagle is neutered, and it gives us peace of mind, knowing we’re contributing to the broader effort of responsible pet ownership.

Educating the Next Generation

One of the best parts of the ‘Stop Rabies’ initiative is its focus on education. The program teaches schoolchildren in Palangan, Poblacion, and surrounding areas about rabies prevention and responsible pet ownership. As a mom, I find it so important to instill these values in kids early on. Children are often the most vulnerable when it comes to animal bites, so giving them the tools to protect themselves and their pets is a game-changer.

Working Towards a Rabies-Free Future

Chari Amparo, a spokesperson from the Global Alliance for Rabies Control, perfectly summed it up: eliminating rabies is not just a goal—it’s a necessity. Through vaccination, education, and community efforts, we can work together towards a future where rabies is no longer a threat.

As a mom who cherishes the bond we share with our beagle, I feel grateful for programs like ‘Stop Rabies.’ It’s a reminder that we are all part of the solution. Keeping our pets healthy, educating ourselves and our children, and supporting these initiatives are vital steps in making the world safer for both animals and people. Let’s work together to make rabies a thing of the past—for our pets, our families, and our communities.