Republicof the Philippines

Department of Health
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY

February 18, 2019

DEPARTMENT MEMORANDUM
No. 2019- O15

FOR: REGIONAL SECRETARY OF HEALTH - ARMM, ALL

DIRECTORS OF CENTERS FOR HEALTH DEVELOPMENT,
BUREAUS AND OFFICES OF THIS DEPARTMENT, MEDICAL
CENTER CHIEFS AND DIRECTORS OF DOH MEDICAL
CENTERS, SPECIALTY HOSPITALS AND SANITARIA; AND
HEADS OF ALL ATTACHED AGENCIES

SUBJECT: Guidance in the Observance of the Rabies Awareness Month for CY

2019

March is Rabies Awareness Month in accordance with Republic Act No. 9482, which
was signed into law on May 25, 2007. This year’s theme is “Makiisa sa barangayan kontra
rabies, maging responsableng pet owner”, which aims to (1) promote a collaborative effort
among community members to join the campaign against rabies, (2) encourage responsible pet
ownership thru dog vaccination and restrictions of dogs within homes or
properties, (3) advocate
to the Local Chief Executives (LCEs) to allocate budget for the procurement of
rabies vaccine
for both animal and human, and (4) strengthen awareness on the prevention, control, and
management ofrabies.

Relative to this, all are enjoined to conduct their own activities and are hereby
encouraged to spearhead the suggested activities in coordination with regional offices of the
Department of Agriculture, the Department of Interior and Local Government, and the
Department of Education on the said month:

e Conduct of mass dog vaccination and fora/lecture on responsible pet ownership in an

area with rabies cases or with high incidence of animal bites
Showing of rabies awareness AVP on Philippine Health TV in all RHUs
e Repost media materials to your regional/personal social media accounts

Attached herewith is the prototype design of materials.

For guidance and compliance.

By Authority of the Secretary of Health:

€
RNA C. CABOTAJE; MD, MPH,
Undersecretary of Health
CESO
III
Public Health Services Team

Building 1, San Lazaro Compound, Rizal Avenue, Sta. Cruz, 1003 Manila @ Trunk Line 651-7800 local 1113, 1108, 1135
Direct Line: 711-9502; 711-9503 Fax: 743-1829 e URL: http://www.doh.gov.ph; e-mail: tiduque@doh.gov.ph
i aoe

Makiisa sa barangayan kontra rab I€S,

responsableng pet owner
maging