Tarlac conducts large-scale anti-rabies drive

The City Veterinary Office, along with the Tarlac El Fuego (NCTEC) Eagles Club, conducted a Mass Anti-Rabies Vaccination at Brgy. San Miguel in Tarlac City on 15 November 2025.

A total of 168 domesticated animals brought by 89 owners and residents of the area were given protection through anti-rabies vaccines — 105 dogs and 63 cats.

The annual vaccination of cats and dogs is important in protecting the health of the residents of Tarlac City.

The City Government, led by Mayor Susan Yap, and organizations such as the Tarlac El Fuego Eagles Club are instrumental in ensuring the safety and health of the city through collaboration between government and private stakeholders.

Rabies remains a significant public health concern and is endemic in the Philippines, with hundreds of cases and deaths reported annually. The disease is virtually 100 percent fatal once symptoms appear, but is entirely preventable through timely vaccination of pets and humans.

From 1 January to 2 August 2025, the Department of Health (DOH) recorded 211 human rabies cases, a 21 percent decrease compared to the same period in 2024.

In 2024, the Philippines recorded 426 deaths due to rabies, with a 100 percent fatality rate for all reported cases that reached the symptomatic stage. On average, around 200–300 Filipinos die of rabies every year.