SURIGAO CITY — The City Veterinary Office is bringing Serbisyong Panghayop sa Barangay to communities across Surigao City from October 19 to 29, 2026, offering residents a direct opportunity to have their animals checked and vaccinated without leaving their barangays. The program delivers free anti-rabies vaccination, hog cholera vaccination for swine, hemosept vaccination for cattle, carabao, and goats, vitamin supplementation, deworming, and general animal check-ups.
Why the Program Matters
The purpose of the initiative is to protect both animal and human health at the community level. Rabies remains a public health concern in the Philippines, and mass vaccination of pets is among the most effective ways to prevent transmission to people. By bringing the service to the barangays, the city lowers the barrier for pet owners and livestock raisers who might otherwise delay or skip vaccination due to distance, cost, or time constraints. For backyard hog and ruminant raisers, the program also supports animal productivity by addressing common health issues before they become losses.
A Service Reaching the Household Level
The barangay-based approach reflects a deliberate choice to meet residents where they are. Rather than requiring farmers and pet owners to travel to the city veterinary office, the program sends its personnel and equipment into the communities themselves, including far-flung and island barangays. The setup allows the city to reach households that are often left out of centralized services and to build familiarity between veterinary staff and the residents they serve.
Registration and Access
A one-time pet registration fee of PHP100 applies for owners who have not yet registered their animals with the City Veterinary Office. Once registered for the year, all services, including vaccination, deworming, and check-ups, are free. Owners of already-registered pets do not need to pay again. Barangays not included in the current schedule are advised to wait for the next round of announcements.
