Senator Mark Villar called for stronger rabies prevention measures and improved animal welfare efforts amid the rising number of animal bite cases and rabies-related deaths in the country.

In a privilege speech during Wednesday’s plenary session on March 18, 2026, Villar said, “Rabies has a near 100 percent fatality rate once symptoms appear, but it is also 100 percent preventable.”

He pointed out that an estimated 300 to 400 Filipinos die from rabies annually, while around four million animal bite incidents are reported nationwide, placing the Philippines among countries with high rabies incidence.

Villar emphasized the importance of passing measures that would establish veterinary clinics in every city and municipality, and encourage the adoption of stray and impounded animals.

“Preventing rabies is not only a matter of policy. It is a shared responsibility between the government, communities, and every pet owner committed to both human and animal lives,” he said.

RESPONSIBLE PET OWNERSHIP

Meanwhile, Senate President Vicente Sotto III urged Filipinos to practice responsible pet ownership, emphasizing their vital role in preventing rabies and protecting public health.

“I was bitten by my father’s dogs in 1958 and 1959, and had to undergo 27 injections each time, 54 in total. Every ride to San Lazaro Hospital brought tears because of the pain,” he said, noting that today, treatments are far less painful and more effective.

The Philippines is celebrating rabies awareness month this March.

-Paraluman News