Ilocos Region now has 111 certified Animal Bite Treatment Centers (ABTCs) and Animal Bite Centers (ABCs/private clinics) providing post‑exposure prophylaxis and wound care, according to the Department of Health (DOH).
Regional Rabies Prevention and Control Program Manager Ana Fe Perez, in a statement on Tuesday, said these centers play a vital role in rabies prevention.
“If bitten, it is important to clean the wound immediately and proceed to the nearest ABTC. It is likewise important to follow through with prescribed vaccinations,” she said.
Treatment in the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth)-accredited centers is free, according to DOH.
Of the total number, 25 are in Ilocos Sur, 12 in Ilocos Norte, 17 in La Union, and 57 in Pangasinan.
State health insurer PhilHealth offers Animal Bite Treatment package of PHP5,850, which will cover essential post-exposure prophylaxis, including rabies vaccine and rabies immune globulin for immediate protection, local wound care, tetanus toxoid and anti-tetanus serum, antibiotics, and supplies which include syringes, alcohol and antiseptics.
Meanwhile, Ilocos Region residents and pet owners were asked to be vigilant against rabies by vaccinating their pets annually, register their animals, and never leave animal bites untreated.
Local government units are tasked to conduct regular mass vaccination and registration drives.
DOH Ilocos Region director Paula Paz Sydiongco said residents who were bitten should wash the affected area with soap and water for 10 to 15 minutes and seek post‑exposure prophylaxis right away.
“Prevention is simple, affordable, and lifesaving,” she said.
Latest data show that there were 335,517 animal bite incidents in 2025 in the region and 12 suspected rabies cases from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2025, according to DOH. (PNA)