Stop Rabies, a global initiative of Boehringer Ingelheim implemented in partnership with the GARC Rabies Alliance, expands to Siargao to strengthen rabies prevention through education, vaccination, animal population control, and responsible pet ownership across the island.
Previously rolled out in Puerto Galera, Marinduque, Laguna, and Negros Occidental, Stop Rabies works with local governments, schools, veterinarians, and community partners to help more Filipinos recognize rabies risks, respond immediately after animal bites, and seek timely vaccination.
Despite being entirely preventable, rabies continues to pose a public health challenge in the Philippines, where hundreds of deaths are recorded annually and millions of animal bite cases are reported each year. As communities observe World Rabies Day, efforts to strengthen awareness, encourage responsible pet ownership, and expand access to preventive measures continue across different parts of the country.
“Rabies prevention starts with informed communities, vaccinated dogs and cats, and shared responsibility,” said Dr. Michael Banawa, Head of Animal Health, Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Philippines, Inc. “Through Stop Rabies, Boehringer Ingelheim remains committed to advancing sustainable rabies prevention to protect animals, safeguard public health, and help build healthier communities.”
Bringing rabies education to more communities
Since its launch in the Philippines, Stop Rabies has expanded its community-based education efforts across Luzon and the Visayas, reaching thousands of students and empowering local stakeholders to strengthen rabies prevention at the grassroots level.
In Puerto Galera, the initiative reached more than 2,300 elementary students while helping equip frontline responders with knowledge and skills on rabies prevention and response. Building on its initial work in Calauan, Laguna, the program also expanded to Los Baños, where it reached over 8,000 students across 11 schools through school-based awareness activities.
In Negros Occidental, Stop Rabies partnered with the local government and the Department of Education to introduce rabies awareness videos in schools in Bacolod City, while conducting community and school-based education sessions in Victorias City.
Building on these experiences, Stop Rabies will expand to Siargao this October through a partnership with the local government, the GARC Rabies Alliance, and the Field Epidemiology Training Program Alumni Foundation, Inc. (FETPAFI). The rollout will bring together community-based education, mass dog and cat vaccination, spay and neuter activities, and responsible pet ownership to support ongoing rabies prevention efforts across the island.
“Rabies education saves lives because it gives people the knowledge to act before it is too late,” said Dr. Niko Ylagan, Stop Rabies Lead and Companion Animal Health Technical Manager, Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Philippines, Inc. “Beyond classroom sessions, Stop Rabies helps communities build sustained rabies awareness and make prevention part of everyday life.”
Rabies education saves lives
Rabies remains one of the most fatal yet most preventable infectious diseases. In the Philippines, the disease is estimated to claim 300 to 400 lives annually, while around four million animal bite cases are recorded nationwide each year.
Recent rabies-related deaths involving children have once again drawn attention to the importance of seeking immediate medical care following an animal bite or scratch, highlighting how delays in treatment can lead to tragic consequences.,,
Children and low-income families remain among those most affected, making awareness at home, in schools, and in communities especially important. Immediate wound washing, prompt medical consultation, and timely post-exposure vaccination can prevent rabies before symptoms appear.
Rabies education helps children, families, schools, and communities recognize rabies risks, prevent dog bites, and respond immediately after an animal bite or scratch. It also corrects misconceptions that delay treatment, including the belief that only stray dogs carry rabies or that small bites or scratches are harmless. Health experts note that even healthy-looking but unvaccinated pets can transmit the virus, making immediate medical assessment essential after any potential rabies exposure.
Boehringer Ingelheim remains committed to supporting the global goal of eliminating human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030 through its Stop Rabies program and partnerships with local communities and stakeholders.
Pet owners can help prevent rabies by ensuring their dogs are vaccinated and practicing responsible pet ownership.
