On June 21, 2024, the Cavite Animal Health Congress 2024 was held at Rolle Hall, Cavite State University, Indang Campus. Organized by the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian, under the leadership of Dr. May M. Magno, the event brought together veterinary experts, agriculturist, and participants from various cities and municipalities across Cavite.
The program began with an inspirational message from Dr. Melbourne R. Talactac, Vice President for Research & Extension at Cavite State University, who warmly welcomed the attendees and set a positive tone for the day. Dr. May M. Magno then provided the rationale for the seminar, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts in advancing animal health in the region.
The morning session featured several esteemed speakers: Dr. Maria Shella G. Ordinario, the National Focal Person for the Rabies Program, provided updates on the National Animal Rabies Program, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to combat rabies; Mr. Jomell V. Mojica, RN, MPH, Regional Rabies Program Coordinator, discussed the latest developments in human rabies and the National Rabies Prevention and Control Program; and, Dr. Alvin William A. Alvarez, Department Chair of Clinical and Population Health at the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, presented his research titled “Towards a Rabies-free Cavite: Assessing Public Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices,” shedding light on public perceptions and practices related to rabies prevention.
The afternoon session kicked off with a product presentation by Dr. Razzel Raymond O. Urriza, DVM, from Pet Options, showcasing products designed to improve daily pet care. Subsequent speakers included: Dr. Mark Anthony S. Barreyro, Veterinarian II and National African Swine Fever Luzon Cluster Coordinator, who reviewed the African Swine Fever (ASF) program and vaccination guidelines; Mr. Robert F. Liao, Agriculturist II at National Veterinary Quarantine Services, who discussed quarantine updates, local shipping permit requirements, and common violations encountered during transport; and, Ms. Jamille Kay T. Malate, Science Research Specialist II at the Office of the Undersecretary for Livestock, who detailed the National Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture Program (NUPAP).
The seminar concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Rezin C. Bahia, Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. Dr. Bahia expressed his enthusiasm for the knowledge shared during the event and looked forward to the next Cavite Animal Health Congress in 2025.
The Cavite Animal Health Congress 2024 was a resounding success, underscoring the commitment to enhancing animal health standards and fostering a rabies-free Cavite. The collaborative efforts of the participants and organizers played an important role in the event’s success, contributing to the ongoing advancement of veterinary practices in the province.
