In a bid to promote responsible pet ownership and bolster efforts to combat rabies, the Office of the City Veterinarian (OCVET) recognized the top three most pet-friendly barangays in Zamboanga City during an awarding ceremony held at the City Hall grounds on December 23.
Mampang Crowned Most Pet-Friendly Barangay
Barangay Mampang earned the prestigious title of 2024 Most Pet-Friendly Barangay, walking away with a plaque of recognition and a P20,000 cash prize. The barangay also bagged an additional P5,000 cash prize for its remarkable achievement in turning over the highest number of stray animals to the City Pound Office.
This recognition highlights Mampang’s commitment to promoting pet welfare, ensuring a safer community, and adhering to the city’s Veterinary Code as outlined in Ordinance 673.
Tumaga and Boalan Secure Top Spots
Securing second place was Barangay Tumaga, which received a plaque and a P15,000 cash award for its commendable efforts in rabies prevention and animal welfare initiatives.
Barangay Boalan completed the top three, taking home a plaque and a P10,000 cash prize.
Criteria for Selection
The winners were evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Organization and functionality of their Barangay Rabies Control and Eradication Committees.
- Appointment of barangay animal catchers.
- Number of stray animals turned over to the City Pound Office.
- Number of animals vaccinated against rabies during the Oplan Alis Rabies Campaign.
These criteria align with the mandates under City Ordinance 673, underscoring the barangays’ vital role in advancing the city’s rabies control and eradication initiatives.
Sto. Niño’s Vaccination Feat
In addition to the top winners, Barangay Sto. Niño was honored for achieving an extraordinary 165.44% of its rabies vaccination target during the Oplan Alis Rabies Campaign. Sto. Niño’s exceptional accomplishment earned it a cash prize of P5,000.
Recognizing Collective Efforts
Acting OCVET head, Dr. Arcadio Cavan, led the awarding ceremony during the city’s flag-raising event. He lauded the efforts of the participating barangays, emphasizing that the initiative is a critical step in fostering safer and healthier communities.
“The collective action demonstrated by our barangays in this campaign shows that a united community can effectively tackle public health concerns like rabies,” Dr. Cavan said.
Promoting a Rabies-Free City
The city’s recognition of its most pet-friendly barangays serves as a testament to its unwavering commitment to creating a rabies-free Zamboanga City. The initiative not only promotes responsible pet ownership but also highlights the pivotal role of local communities in public health campaigns.
As Mampang, Tumaga, Boalan, and Sto. Niño celebrate their achievements, their efforts serve as an inspiration for other barangays to step up and contribute to a safer, more pet-friendly city.