In a heartwarming display of kindness and dedication, the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 2 Regulatory Division, PVET Isabela, and LGU San Manuel joined forces to celebrate Animal Welfare Week 2025 with the theme “Care and Respect: The Heart of the Filipino for Animals.”

The celebration highlights the Community Veterinary Care Mission event, held in barangay District 1 in San Manuel, Isabela, aimed to promote animal welfare and provide essential services to the community’s beloved pets and livestock. A total of 20 large ruminants, including cattle and carabaos, cats and dogs, goat and sheep received vital vaccinations, deworming, and vitamin injections, ensuring their health and well-being.

From this, 71 dogs and cats were spayed/neutered, 48 for deworming and vitamin administration and 38 administered anti-rabies vaccines, protecting them from deadly diseases and promoting responsible pet ownership. For large ruminants, 12 carabaos and 8 cattle received hemosept vaccines, 14 carabaos and 9 cattle dewormed, and 14 and 9 received vitamin administration. For small ruminants, 31 goats and sheep for hemosept vaccination, 36 dewormed, and 36 for vitamin supplement.

Additionally, the municipalities of Echague, San Manuel, San Mateo, Jones Cauayan City, Ilagan City and Santiago City, Isabela were given Distinguished Award for Advancing Animal Welfare in the Philippines signed by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr.

The same award was given to Diffun, Quirino and Villaverde, Santa Fe, Dupax del Norte, and Quezon, Nueva Vizcaya.

The event was participated by veterinarian from the DA RFO2 Regulatory Division, PVET Isabela, LGU San Manuel, BAI-Accredited Veterinary Clinic owners/ Practitioners in Isabela, BAI-Accredited Veterinary Clinic owners/ Practitioners in Isabela. and veterinary student interns of CSU and ISU.

This remarkable initiative showcases the Filipino spirit of compassion and care for animals, highlighting the importance of animal welfare in maintaining ecological balance and promoting a culture of kindness. The event serves as a beacon of hope for a more humane and sustainable future, inspiring others to follow suit and make a positive impact on animal lives.

Story: Dr. Ferdinand N. Cortez

Photos: Erika Sophia Fiesta