Rabies is a preventable viral disease most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal, mostly dogs or cats. The virus infects the central nervous system of mammals, ultimately causing disease in the brain or becoming fatal.
Over the years, the Philippines has implemented various measures to lessen the reported cases and ultimately eradicate rabies from all provinces.
In Koronadal City, South Cotabato’s capital, City Veterinarian Dr. Charlemagne Calo from the City Veterinary Office (CVO) revealed that the local government plans to implement a high-tech mechanism using microchip implants for dogs to store valuable data, enhance pet ownership approaches, and reduce the majority of stray dogs and the associated risk of rabies in the city.
The microchips, measuring roughly the size of a rice grain, will be injected subcutaneously into dogs, meaning the device will be placed under the skin. It will also serve as a tamper-proof identification data storage for pets in line with the city’s anti-rabies campaign.
Moreover, the microchips will use radio-frequency identification technology (RFID) to store essential information, including the pet’s name, owner’s details, vaccination records, and other necessary details to meet the requirements of the Anti-Rabies Act of 2007, which mandates dog registration.
Under Section 5 of Republic Act 9842, pet owners must submit their dogs for mandatory registration, maintain control over their pets, and keep them from roaming the streets or any public place without a leash.
It will be implemented on October 7, coinciding with the city’s 23rd Charter Anniversary. Once enforced, Koronadal will pioneer such technology in the entire SOCCSKSARGEN region, as the microchip is a first of its kind.
Calo noted that the LGU will gradually execute the initiative because of budget concerns and a lack of manpower, considering Koronadal has 27 barangays.
According to the CVO’s records, the area’s dog population is over 20,000, keeping the LGU from implementing the program immediately.
On the other hand, Calo also clarified that the microchips are not GPS-tracking devices. It will, however, provide a way to contact pet owners to help decrease the number of stray dogs in the city.