By CESAR JOLITO III
Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya has ordered the free administration of rabies and tetanus vaccines for qualified residents belonging to priority sectors, aiming to address the growing number of animal bite cases recorded in the city.
Gasataya, in the issuance of Executive Order (EO) No. 59 on Wednesday, October 8, said the move will ensure access to lifesaving vaccines among vulnerable populations, including senior citizens, indigent residents and marginalized groups.
“Public welfare and safety are at the core of this directive. We cannot afford to lose lives to rabies, a disease that is 100 percent preventable,” Gasataya said.
Data from the City Health Office (CHO) show that from January to June 2025, Bacolod recorded 5,637 animal bite cases under Categories 1 and 2, and 1,088 cases under Category 3 — reflecting a continuing demand for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
Under the new EO, the CHO, through its Animal Bite Treatment Centers, will provide free rabies vaccines for Category 2 patients belonging to priority groups certified by the Department of Social Services and Development.
Category 3 patients will also receive the indicated PEP in accordance with Department of Health (DOH) protocols.
The mayor emphasized that “all animal bites shall be managed without delay,” with strict adherence to proper wound categorization.
The EO also mandates the CHO to give free tetanus vaccines to qualified Category 2 patients and all Category 3 cases, ensuring no treatment will be delayed due to billing or claims processing.
The vaccines will be sourced from the city government’s existing supply and supplemented by allocations from the DOH and other partners, subject to proper storage and handling protocols.
Meanwhile, Gasataya directed the immediate utilization of the new x-ray machine purchased by the city in December 2024, which has remained unused due to technical and site-related issues.
An inspection conducted by the City Engineer’s Office confirmed that the unit and its designated site are ready for operation.
The mayor noted, however, that the CHO had previously accumulated around 13,000 expired x-ray films, prompting him to order an investigation by the City Legal Office.
“The people of Bacolod deserve access to complete, functional health services,” Gasataya said, adding that the CLO is expected to submit its findings and recommendations next week./CJ, WDJ