Ilocos region: The Department of Health (DOH) has announced that the Ilocos Region now hosts 111 certified Animal Bite Treatment Centers (ABTCs) and Animal Bite Centers (ABCs/private clinics), effectively enhancing the region's capacity to provide post-exposure prophylaxis and wound care.
According to Philippines News Agency, these centers play a crucial role in rabies prevention, as highlighted by Regional Rabies Prevention and Control Program Manager Ana Fe Perez. She emphasized the importance of immediate wound cleaning and visiting the nearest ABTC following an animal bite, along with adhering to prescribed vaccinations for effective prevention.
The DOH has confirmed that treatments at Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth)-accredited centers are offered free of charge. The centers are distributed across the region with 25 in Ilocos Sur, 12 in Ilocos Norte, 17 in La Union, and 57 in Pangasinan.
PhilHealth provides an Animal Bite Treatment package valued at PHP5,850, which includes essential post-exposure prophylaxis such as rabies vaccines and rabies immune globulin, crucial for immediate protection. The package also covers local wound care, tetanus toxoid and anti-tetanus serum, antibiotics, and necessary supplies like syringes, alcohol, and antiseptics.
Residents and pet owners in the Ilocos Region are encouraged to remain vigilant against rabies by ensuring their pets are vaccinated annually, registering their animals, and promptly addressing any animal bites. Local government units are tasked with conducting regular mass vaccination and registration initiatives.
DOH Ilocos Region director Paula Paz Sydiongco has advised residents who experience bites to wash affected areas with soap and water for 10 to 15 minutes and seek post-exposure prophylaxis immediately. She stressed that "Prevention is simple, affordable, and lifesaving."
The latest data from the DOH reveals there were 335,517 animal bite incidents in 2025 within the region, along with 12 suspected rabies cases reported from January 1 to December 31, 2025.
