The Department of Health-Davao (DOH-11) has sounded the alarm bells over the increasing number of rabies deaths in the region.

Data from DOH-11 showed that up to 36 people have died from rabies in 2024, which was higher than the 24 deaths in 2023.

Up to 120,000 animal bite cases were also recorded in 2024.

DOH-11 said it has allocated P1 million for anti-rabies vaccines in 2025 and the central office is expected to add 1,800 vials.

However, DOH-11 said it may not be enough because of the increasing number of cases.

DOH-11 urged the local government units to also allocate funds for additional vaccines as it is ready to provide support.

“Inutos ni Secretary na ating mga regions, mga LGU magcoordinate dahil tutulong ang region at national government para maibsan ang apangngailangan sa rabies vaccines may instruction siya na kung kaya ng mga budget natin ay punan natin , mag augment tayo,” DOH-11 Director, Dr. Abdullah Dumama, Jr., said.

DOH-11 also urged pet owners to be responsible.

“Baka pwede tayong makipagtulungan sa ating mga pet owners organization kasi nakita natin ang karamihan sa mga aso o kaya nakakagatan ay tamed o kaya nasa bahay nila sana po makipagtulungan tayo sa ating pet owners para magkaroon ng responsible pet ownership,” Dumama added.

The animal welfare group Bantay Hayop Davao also encouraged pet owners not to wait for free anti-rabies vaccines.

“You have to prioritize it it's anti-rabies vaccine you have to prioritize. People are complaining because mondays to fridays daw may trabaho sila but if you can be absent for a gala why not be absent for half day for vaccination of your pets kung ayaw niyong umabsent you spend for the private vaccination which cost a little amount lang naman. Don't wait for anti-vaccine rabies to come to your household yun yung importante ang safety and security ng pets at ng household,” Bantay Hayop Davao Director, Rovie Bullina, said.