Bacolod offers free anti-rabies shots to poor, elderly

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The city government has begun offering free anti-rabies vaccinations to senior citizens, indigents, and other vulnerable sectors, upon certification by the Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD) and its authorized social workers.

Mayor Greg Gasataya signed an executive order Wednesday authorizing free anti-rabies vaccines for Category II and III animal bite patients from priority sectors, citing the high number of bite cases recorded by the City Health Office (CHO).

From January to June 2025, Bacolod City recorded 5,637 Category I and II animal bite cases, and 1,088 Category III cases, according to the executive order.

Gasataya said the city is committed to protecting residents from rabies by ensuring the availability and equitable distribution of life-saving vaccines.

He cited Republic Act 9482, or the Anti-Rabies Act of 2007, which mandates free routine immunization and post-exposure treatment for animal bite victims in coordination with the Department of Health (DOH).

The CHO, through its Animal Bite Treatment Centers (ABTCs), is required to submit a quarterly report to the City Administrator that includes consultations by category, reclassifications, patient treatment progress, and vaccine and rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) stock status.

All animal bite cases must be treated promptly and without delay.

The vaccines will be sourced from the city’s available stock and supplemented by allocations from the DOH and other providers, subject to proper storage and handling protocols.

The CHO, through ABTCs and designated health facilities, will also administer free tetanus vaccines to qualified Category II and all Category III patients, in line with national wound management standards.

No treatment shall be delayed due to pending claims or billing.

“Health is a right, and as public servants we must do everything we can to protect that right and improve access to healthcare for our people,” Gasataya said.