Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro marked her first 100 days in office with the signing of Executive Order (EO) Number 59 that creates the Provincial Animal Welfare Council (PAWC). 

The EO institutionalizes programs on animal welfare, rabies control, and marine life conservation in the Province of Cebu, said the Cebu Provincial Information Office (PIO) in a post.

“The Province recognizes the urgent need to institutionalize measures for animal welfare, regulate and monitor LGU [local government unit] dog pounds, strengthen rabies vaccination and dog population control programs, establish sanctuaries for animals, provide necessary logistical support, and promote the conservation of marine life resources,” the EO stipulates. 

Capitol PIO pointed out that PAWC will serve as the primary policy-making, coordinating, and monitoring body for all animal welfare and marine conservation initiatives in Cebu, chaired by the Governor and vice-chaired by the Provincial Veterinarian, with members including the chairperson of the Provincial Board’s Committee on Agriculture—currently Board Member Cesar Baricuatro—as well as city and municipal Agriculture and Veterinary Offices, accredited animal welfare and rescue organizations, and a representative from a veterinary college.

“The council is tasked with developing and updating comprehensive policies and programs on animal welfare, rabies control, and marine life protection, in alignment with national and local standards. It will monitor the compliance of LGUs with laws and ordinances on animal care, pound management, and rabies prevention, while providing technical guidance to ensure humane treatment and care of animals,” Capitol PIO added. 

Public education and awareness is a key component of EO 59.

“The PAWC is mandated to lead sustained information campaigns on responsible pet ownership, animal welfare laws, rabies prevention, and marine conservation through seminars, media campaigns, and community outreach. The council is likewise empowered to assist in the rescue, rehabilitation, and adoption of abused, abandoned, or stray animals in collaboration with accredited organizations,” Capitol PIO said further.

The EO, likewise, strengthens rabies vaccination and dog population control programs, institutionalizing annual mass vaccination drives and a sustained spay-and-neuter program as humane population management strategies.

In addition, the Provincial Government of Cebu will allocate funds for the procurement of feeds, veterinary medicines, vaccines, and other logistical requirements to support rabies control, animal rescue operations, spay-neuter programs, and marine mammal rehabilitation.

“Through Executive Order No. 59, Cebu becomes one of the few provinces in the country to institutionalize animal welfare and marine conservation under a unified policy framework, reflecting the Capitol’s broader vision of a compassionate, sustainable, and ecologically responsible Cebu,” Capitol PIO emphasized.

(Info courtesy: Cebu Province)