Section 6May 25, 2007, Sec./Art. 6

Responsibilities of Government Agencies. - The following government agencies, which shall jointly implement the National Rabies Prevention and Control Program, shall be tasked to:

A. Department of Agriculture

(1) Improve and upgrade existing animal Rabies laboratory diagnostic capabilities to ensure better services to the people.

(2) Ensure the availability and adequate supply of animal anti-Rabies vaccine at all times.

(3) Undertake free anti-Rabies Vaccination of Dogs giving priority to high risk depressed areas.

(4) Maintain and improve animal Rabies surveillance system.

(5) Establish and maintain Rabies free zone in coordination with the LGUs.

(6) Immediately facilitate for the approval of the sale and use of Veterinary and Human Barbiturate drugs and veterinary euthanasia drugs by the DOH and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) .

(7) Strengthen the training of field personnel and the Information Education and Communication (IEC) activities on Rabies prevention and control and responsible pet ownership.

(8) Conduct research on Rabies and its control in coordination with other agencies.

(9) Formulate minimum standards and monitor the effective implementation of this Act.

(10) Encourage collaborative activities with the DOH, DepEd, DILG, DENR, NGOs, POs and other concerned sectors.

B. Department of Health

(1) Ensure the availability and adequate supply of DOH pre-qualified human Anti-Rabies vaccine in animal bite treatment centers at all times and shall coordinate with other implementing agencies and concerned NGOs for this purpose.

(2) Provide Post-Exposure Treatment at the minimum expense to individuals bitten by animals suspected of being rabid which will consist of the initial vaccine and immunoglobulin dose.

(3) Provide Pre-Exposure Treatment to high-risk personnel, such as, but not limited to, laboratory staff, veterinarians, animal handlers, vaccinators and other persons working with Rabies virus for free.

(4) Coordinate with the DA in the development of appropriate health education strategy to inform the public on Rabies prevention and control and responsible pet ownership.

(5) Develop and maintain a human Rabies surveillance system.

(6) Encourage collaborative activities with the DA, DepEd, DILG, DENR, NGOs, POs and other concerned sectors.

(7) Immediately approve the registration of Veterinary and Human Barbiturate drugs and veterinary euthanasia drugs in coordination with the PDEA.

C. Department of Education

(1) Strengthen Rabies education program through school health teaching/curriculum.

(2) Assist in the Dog mass immunization campaigns in the community.

(3) Encourage collaborative activities with the DA, DOH, DILG, DENR, NGOs, POs and other concerned sectors.

(4) Integrate proper information and education on responsible pet ownership in the relevant subjects in the Elementary and High School levels.