VET MISSION BORACAY TREATS OVER 1,200 ANIMALS IN 5TH YEAR
By Rica Velasco
The fifth Veterinary Mission Boracay was held from August 31 to September 3, capping four days of free veterinary care across the island and mainland Malay.
The mission had a strong turnout this year, with a total of 1,259 animals treated and 608 spay-and-neuter surgeries performed, 72 more than last year. Treatments also included 512 anti-rabies vaccinations, 139 deworming treatments and one special surgery.
Forty veterinarians and assistants from the Philippine Veterinary Medical Association (PVMA), Philippine Animal Hospital Association (PAHA), Office of the Municipal Agriculturist of Malay (MAO) and Office of the Provincial Veterinarian-Aklan (OPVet-Aklan) took part.
Dr. Deyven Oriondo of the MAO has been a founding partner of the mission, while Dr. Ma. Cyrosa Leen Mabel Siñel of OPVet-Aklan has been a steady presence each year. Dr. Nielsen Donato and Dr. Ferds Recio, celebrity veterinarian hosts of GMA-7’s award-winning show Born to Be Wild, joined this year’s surgical team.
Equally deserving of recognition are the pet owners who brought their dogs and cats for treatment. Spaying and neutering help prevent unwanted litters and reduce the stray population, while deworming and anti-rabies vaccinations help keep pets healthy and Boracay rabies-free.
Each barangay provided a venue, while volunteers assisted in the field. Community sponsors provided donations, food, transportation and welcome kits, while the Philippine Red Cross Boracay-Malay Chapter provided safety support.
Behind the mission are organizers Julia Lervik, Aquilla Macavinta and Noa Macavinta, whose determination and compassion have helped sustain the program for five years. The organization plans to continue the mission in the coming years.
Mabel and Dr. Ronald, Vet Mission organizer Julia Lervik, Dr. Deyven Oriondo, PVMA veterinarians and volunteer Elena
REMINDERS FOR RESPONSIBLE PET OWNERSHIP IN BORACAY
Simple steps to keep animals healthy, the community safe and Boracay rabies-free.
1. Register your pets.
Register pets yearly at your barangay for ₱300 for dogs or ₱150 for cats. Registered pets can avail of free deworming, anti-rabies vaccination and spay/neuter services. Keep identification and medical records updated.
2. Keep pets under control.
Keep dogs on a leash in public and never allow pets to roam unsupervised. This helps prevent fights, accidents and biting incidents.
3. Provide proper care.
Give pets clean food, fresh water and shelter from heavy rain and intense heat. Keep their surroundings clean and sanitary.
4. Clean up after your pet.
Pick up and properly dispose of pet waste, whether in public or private areas.
5. Spay or neuter (kapon).
Spaying and neutering prevent unwanted litters and help reduce the stray population. Registered pets can avail of free spay/neuter services. Give your pet the proper aftercare and medications prescribed after surgery.
6. Handle bite incidents properly.
Report bites to the barangay or health authorities within 24 hours and place the animal under veterinary observation.
RED COLLARS FOR A RABIES-FREE BORACAY
By Pauline Reitzer
In June 2026, the Office of the Municipal Agriculturist Malay’s island-wide rabies vaccination campaign reached 4,577 dogs and cats, building on Boracay’s record of remaining rabies-free since 2013. Vet Mission Boracay sponsored red tags and collars for vaccinated animals, making their vaccination status easier to identify. The next goal could be island-wide microchip tagging, creating a more reliable way to identify pets, maintain vaccination records and reunite lost animals with their owners.
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