ASU Launches “Integration of Rabies Concepts In Classroom Teaching” Project

by SALLY R. VILLASIS

To encourage wide active participation of various partners in the promotion of rabies awareness, the School of Veterinary Medicine (SVM), Aklan State University (ASU) launched "Integration of Rabies Concepts in Classroom Teaching" project. It was held on Sept. 28, 2011 at Brgy. Manoc-manoc Multipurpose Pavement, Boracay, Malay, Aklan.

The project is a component of the "Rabies Free Malay and Boracay Program" fully and firmly supported by different partners in Region VI through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement during the World Rabies Day celebration.

"The project will integrate rabies concepts in classroom teaching in elementary and high school levels. It is a strategy in promoting rabies awareness and compliance to the law among future parents and pet owners," Dr. Cecilia T. Reyes, Dean of SVM explained.

According to her, the project will teach the elementary and secondary teachers teaching strategies in integrating rabies information. It will develop teaching modules in all subjects in elementary and secondary levels.

In his message, Dr. Peter S. Sobrevega, Chief Agriculturist, Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Unit 6, shared the data on the decrease of number of canine and human rabies cases from 2010 to 2011.

"I believe that this improvement in rabies cases is through the efforts of different agencies who are participating in rabies elimination projects," said Dr. Sobrevega.

Dr. Danilo E. Abayon, ASU President expressed his appreciation to partners for answering the call for development. "Awareness, adoption and action of the program must be implemented with the commitment of the partners towards achieving a rabies free Boracay community", Abayon pointed out.

Manoc-manoc Elementary School Principal, Mr. Democrito Barrientos assured: "they fully support the initiative and they will integrate rabies awareness in classroom teaching from kindergarten to high school level".

Dr. Anna Mae C. Relingo, Officer-In-Charge, Office of the Vice President for Research and Extension, ASU, in her message, acknowledged the significant contributions of the different national line agencies, non-government agencies, private sector and schools in Boracay Island.

LGU-Malay headed by Hon. John P. Yap, Municipal Mayor, Provincial Govern-ment of Aklan represented by Dr. Mabel Siñel, Senior Agiculturist, Department of Health – Center for Health Development Western Visayas represented by Ms. Joji Jimenez and Ms. Zuela A. Calizo, Department of Education – District of Malay, Department of Interior and Local Government-Aklan represented by Mr. Lourd Mikael Meñez, Aklan Provincial Police Office represented by PSupt. Samuel P. Nacion, Philippine Coastguard-Caticlan, Rotary Club of Boracay led by Ms. Geraldine Asis and Boracay Foundation, Inc. represented by Mr. Dionisio Salme signified their genuine support to the project. Those actively involved in the project are organized into the Barangay Rabies Control Officers. Mayor Yap inducted them to their respective positions during the launching program.

A Technical Forum on Pet Health Program led SVM extension program leader Dr. Molly L. Naigan and project leader Dr. Ginaclin S. Dalisay served as one highlights of the launching. The SVM faculty and clinicians conducted rabies vaccination and deworming in three barangays of Boracay Island after the ceremonies. /MP