09/04/2026
๐๐๐ญ๐๐ก๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ฉ ๐ฐ๐ข๐ญ๐ก ๐๐๐๐๐ญ๐ฒ: ๐๐จ๐๐จ๐ง ๐๐จ๐ฅ๐๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐ ๐๐๐ญ๐๐ก๐๐ซ๐ฌ' ๐๐ซ๐๐ข๐ง๐ข๐ง๐
The Municipality of Bobon, through the Municipal Agriculture Office, took a significant step in its rabies prevention efforts by initiating a "Dog Catchers' Training" on April 8, 2026, held at the Municipal Covered Court, Bobon, Northern Samar. The activity was conducted in collaboration with the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO), who served as resource persons throughout the training. A total of 55 participants attended, composed of barangay captains and tanods, with three representatives from each barangay across the municipality.
The program opened with welcome remarks delivered by Hon. Pelagio C. Casinas Jr., Chair of the Committee on Agriculture, who expressed the municipality's firm support for the rabies program through the elimination of stray dogs. He emphasized that the local government had already begun identifying and acting on the interventions needed to address the issue from the municipal level down to the barangays.
Hon. Reny A. Celespara, Municipal Mayor, then delivered an inspirational message, underscoring the administration's commitment to community safety through the systematic elimination of stray dogs. He urged all barangay captains to adopt the municipal rabies ordinance in their respective barangays to ensure the strong and consistent implementation of dog catching and impounding activities. Mayor Celespara also announced plans to allocate budget for the enhancement of the municipal dog pound and proposed the provision of incentives for all dog catchers as a recognition of their vital role in the program. Also present during the activity was Mr. Romeo N. Enero, Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer (MENRO), who showed his full support for the initiative, recognizing the importance of responsible stray dog management not only for public health but also for the well-being of the community and the environment.
The second part of the program featured topic discussions relevant to dog catching and rabies control, presented by the PVO team, who shared technical knowledge and practical guidance with the participants. The afternoon session shifted to a more hands-on approach, with a live demonstration of dog catching techniques and strategies, followed by actual practice where representatives from each barangay had the opportunity to perform the techniques themselves.
The training concluded with Part III โ the Closing Program, which included the distribution of certificates to all participants. Ms. Lina O. Adriatico, Municipal Agriculturist, delivered the closing remarks, calling on all barangay officials to work together toward the common goal of eliminating stray dogs for the safety and well-being of the entire community.
This meaningful activity was made possible through the dedication and initiative of Dr. Babbeth Aubrey B. Gajutos, the Municipal Veterinarian in charge, along with the hardworking and ever-active staff of the Municipal Agriculture Office of Bobon.
The success of this training also stands as a testament to the strong and unwavering collaboration between the Provincial Government of Northern Samar and its municipalities. Through the active technical support and extension services of the Provincial Veterinary Office, local government units are empowered to take concrete, ground-level action in the fight against rabies. This partnership reflects a shared vision and collective commitment โ working hand in hand across all levels of governance โ toward the ultimate goal of a Rabies-Free Northern Samar.