CEBU — The Cebu City Government, through its Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries, is inviting pet owners to join the celebration of World Rabies Day 2026 on September 28 at the Department of Agriculture RFO 7 grounds along M. Velez Street in Guadalupe. The event runs from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
A Full Day of Free Veterinary Services
The celebration offers a comprehensive package of services aimed at protecting both pets and the community from rabies. Free rabies vaccination and deworming will be available for registered pets. Licensed veterinarians will also provide free consultations for pet owners.
Spay and neuter procedures will be offered at no cost, subject to pre-operative assessment and eligibility. These services help control the animal population and reduce the number of strays that can transmit rabies. The city hopes to make responsible pet ownership more accessible to all residents.
Pet registration is required at a fee of ₱200, mandated under City Ordinance 2526. Registration allows owners to avail of the free services and ensures that each animal is accounted for in the city's database. Owners must pre-register online by scanning the QR code provided in official announcements.
School Campaign Targets Young Learners
Beyond the main event, the Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries will conduct an Information and Education Campaign in several elementary schools. The campaign runs in partnership with the City Health Department and the Department of Education.
The school visits begin on September 16 at Labangon Elementary School. Subsequent sessions are scheduled for Zapatera Elementary School on September 17, City Central Elementary School on September 21, Lahug Elementary School on September 22, and Guadalupe Elementary School on September 23.
These sessions aim to teach children about rabies prevention, proper pet care, and the importance of reporting animal bites. By reaching young learners, the campaign hopes to build a generation of responsible pet owners and informed citizens who can help prevent rabies transmission in their communities.
Why Rabies Prevention Matters
Rabies remains a serious public health threat in the Philippines, but it is entirely preventable through vaccination and responsible pet ownership. The disease is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, making prevention the only effective strategy. Regular vaccination of dogs and cats creates a barrier that protects both animals and humans.
The World Rabies Day celebration aligns with global efforts to eliminate human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030. Cebu City's participation demonstrates its commitment to this international goal. The theme "Stronger Together: Healthy Animals. Healthy Communities. A Rabies-Free Future" captures the collaborative spirit needed to achieve this vision.
How to Participate
Pet owners are encouraged to pre-register early to secure slots for the free services. The QR code for registration is available on official Cebu City Government and DVMF social media pages. Walk-ins may be accommodated but will be subject to availability.
Attendees should bring their pets on leashes or in carriers and present proof of registration. For spay and neuter procedures, owners must comply with pre-operative requirements, including fasting guidelines. The city advises arriving early to avoid long queues.
A Community Effort for a Rabies-Free Future
The event is made possible through partnerships with the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 7 and the Philippine Veterinary Medical Association Central Visayas. These collaborations strengthen the city's capacity to deliver essential veterinary services to a wider population.
By working together, government agencies, veterinary professionals, and pet owners can create a safer environment for everyone. The celebration is more than a one-day event; it is a reminder that rabies prevention requires sustained effort and shared responsibility. Cebu City invites everyone to participate and help build a rabies-free future.
