KOICA donates equipment in support of Iloilo's anti-rabies campaign
Gov. Niel Tupas Sr. recieve the donations from the
representatives of KOICA. AT right is Board
Member Macario Napulan, chair of Sangguniang
Panlalawigan committee on Health.
Nelson Robles/Capitol photo
The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) in support of Iloilo's Anti-Rabies Program turned over anti-rabies vaccines, a laptop computer and advocacy posters to Iloilo Governor Niel D. Tupas Sr. in a turnover ceremony held yesterday, September 5, at the Provincial Capitol.
These donations would be used exclusively for the province's intensified canine anti-rabies campaign, the laptop computer would be used by the Provincial Veterinary Office to provide relevant and updated information for better service delivery.
The 5,000 pieces of advocacy posters from South Korea will be distributed to all elementary and high schools, town halls, the Municipal Health Centers, market places, barangay halls, and barangay health stations throughout the province. According to Dr. Silvino Teodosio Jr., Iloilo Provincial Veterian, "in most parts of the country where canine rabies is endemic, children aged 15 years old or younger are the most susceptible victims of dog bites and therefore incur the highest percentage of rabies death. Thus, there is an urgent need to increase educational awareness of children and their families."
Dr. Chung Yong Rhee, a Korea Overseas Volunteer (KOV) working on the Provincial Canine Rabies Action Program of the Provincial Veterinary Office, said the 972 vials of canine anti-rabies vaccine is their humble contribution to the efforts of the local chief executives to wipe out rabies permanently. He further added that all municipalities would receive the same allocation of 22 vials each.
Incidentally, the province is conducting a Search for Outstanding Local Government Unit (LGU) in Rabies Prevention for a Rabies-Free Iloilo Province. Winners will be declared next year during the Provincial Rabies Control Summit in April 2008.
The KOICA is a government agency that implements the Official Development Assistance (ODA) of the Republic of Korea. Dr. Rhee is dispatched by KOICA under the Korea Overseas Volunteer (KOV) Program. Sixty-six KOVs are currently in the country working with local government units and educational institutions.