Iloilo’s island villages earn rabies-free seal after tough regional audit

ILOILO CITY — Several island barangays in the towns of Ajuy and Carles have officially cleared the bar for rabies-free status, following a rigorous on-site subnational evaluation by the Regional Rabies Technical Working Group (TWG).

The assessment covered Barangay Pantalan Nabaye in Ajuy and multiple villages under the Binuluangan Group of Islands in Carles, where evaluators confirmed that the communities met all criteria required for certification.

The TWG team—composed of representatives from the Department of Health, Department of Agriculture, Provincial Health Office, and Provincial Veterinary Office—conducted a meticulous review of each barangay’s rabies prevention and control systems.

According to the Iloilo Provincial Health Office, evaluators examined the functionality of Barangay Rabies Control Committees (BRCCs), validated dog vaccination records and coverage, checked active surveillance systems for both human and animal rabies, and reviewed community education and awareness campaigns.

The team also inspected how rabies prevention lessons are integrated into local schools and whether essential supplies, vaccines, and logistics are in place to sustain rabies-free operations.