In his privilege speech highlighting Rabies Awareness Month, Senator Mark Villar called for a holistic and decisive legislative response to the country’s rabies crisis, moving beyond awareness to concrete medical and veterinary solutions.
Villar shared the heartbreaking story of Jamaica Seraspe, a young student who succumbed to the virus after being bitten by a stray dog.
“She represents a critical public health gap where immediate medical attention and animal vaccination could have saved a life.”
“She represents a critical public health gap where immediate medical attention and animal vaccination could have saved a life,” the legislator said.
Despite a 65% decrease in cases for this year, there is still a high incidence of rabies in the Philippines. The country ranks 6th in rabies incidence worldwide, experiencing strains in its healthcare support for rabies-related incidents and animal vaccination monitoring.
To address the root causes, the lawmaker reiterated his previously filed bills that seek to address the inter-related issues and challenges we face concerning animals.
First, Senate Bill No. 255, or the Animal Medical Center Act, will mandate the establishment of veterinary clinics in every city and municipality to provide affordable vaccines and healthcare, ensuring farmers and pet owners have local access to preventive care.
Second, Senate Bill No. 591, or the Stray Animal Adoption Incentives, aims to manage the 13.11 million stray animals in the country by incentivizing adoption, reducing the population of potential rabies carriers, while promoting animal welfare.
The speech also touched on his personal advocacy, noting his successful adoption of shelter dogs Hay and Jill via the PAWSsion Project.
“While the government must provide vaccines, pet owners must share responsibility.”
The senator also emphasized that while the government must provide vaccines, pet owners must share responsibility.
“Ilang kabataan na tulad ni Jamaica pa ba ang babawian ng buhay dahil walang sapat na akses sa lunas? Kung ang asong nakakagat kay Jamaica ay nabakunahan lamang, marahil ay buhay pa siya ngayon,” he stressed.
Villar sincerely hopes that the Senate will act on this pressing issue about rabies.
He believes that it is high time for legislative actions that will strengthen animal welfare, enhance public health protection, and ultimately prevent the loss of both human and animal lives.
