This is after the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh), under the leadership of Gov. Aris Aumentado, has rolled out spay services in selected towns through the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian (OPV), led by OIC Dr. Meydallyn Paman.
The rollout started in Brgy. Manga (Feb. 11) and Brgy. Dampas (Feb. 12) in Tagbilaran City, Poblacion, Dauis (Feb. 13), and Poblacion, Panglao (Feb. 14).
Today, Feb. 15, the Project K: Libreng Katli Para Sa Mga Babaeng Iro (Project K Free Spay for Female Dogs) is currently rolled out in Loon and will proceed in Tubigon on Feb. 16.
𝐀 ‘𝐆𝐢𝐟𝐭’ 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐁𝐢𝐲𝐚𝐲𝐚
Project K in Bohol was made possible through the “Biyayanihan” program of BACF, an approach—combining biyaya (blessings) and bayanihan (community cooperation)—dedicated to advancing animal welfare.
BACF’s mission was led by CEO and Co-Founder Rina Ortiz. and Dr. Melani Pescadilla of Bais City as Coordinator of the Negros Island Region and Bohol Loop of the Free Spay Program.
According to Dr. Joden Oliver Sumeldan, BACF’s Chief Medical Officer, they are targeting 1,000 heads for the 6-day rollout of free spay and veterinary services across the selected LGUs.
“We are also offering (services) with the Local Government Units (LGUs), including free consultation and anti-rabies vaccination. We also do treatment na rin sa mga alagang aso at pusa. We do provide vitamins and injectables and dewormers,” Sumeldan said.
Along with Sumeldan are the doctors and volunteers who joined the mission, including Dr. Ina Bernadeth So, Dr. Heidi Delorino, Dr. Clark Denver Turqueza, Dr. Alfred Diaz, Dr. Arah Mae Vertucio, Dr. Zhannen Rodriguez, Harlyn Pagadduan, Elbert Dagupan, Jomel Gonzales, John Edward Repique, and Ric Martin Masucol.
Aside from mass spay-and-neuter initiatives, Sumeldan highlighted BACF’s mission of fostering rescued pets for adoption after giving medical care through their TNVR approach (Trap, Vaccinate, Neuter, and Return).
“Isa sa mga programs ng BACF is yung TNVR. Tina-trap namin ang mga stray dogs and cats. Once they are trapped, kinakapon namin, binakunahan, and mina-microchip, and then we’ll release them back to their environment,” he added.
Sumeldan also emphasized that BACF’s main goal is to help the government make the Philippines #StrayFreeRabiesFreePhilippines by 2035 through rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming.
“Through partnership (with the LGUs), masasabi kong it’s successful and better naman,” the doctor said.
According to OPV, host LGUs supported the rollout with additional manpower, food, and accommodation.
Dr. Christopher Jay Tanduyan, Focal for Canine Rabies, and Dr. Jessa Altamero of OPV were also present during the rollouts.
𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐭𝐨 ‘𝐁𝐢𝐲𝐚𝐲𝐚’
On his Facebook post, Gov. Aumentado also thanked BACF, OPV, and municipal LGUs for the partnership and encouraged ‘fur parents’ to avail the free service.
“Dako kaayo atong pasalamat sa Biyaya Animal Care ug sa tanang nagpaluyo niini nga kalihokan. Gi-awhag namo ang mga pet owners nga maosalmot niini nga oportunidad alang sa kaayohan sa ilang mga pinalanggang pets,” Aumentado wrote.
During the Dauis rollout, Arlien Estano, Municipal Agriculturist, expressed gratitude to the program, especially to BACF.
“On behalf sa LGU of Dauis, nagpasalamat kog dako, of course sa PGBh, through OPV, nga maoy nag-request sa BACF. Dako nakong pasalamat gyud sa BACF nga nihatag gyud sila og kahigayunan og paghatag niining libre nga pagpangatli dinhi sa atong mga iro,” she said.
Pet owners from Dauis were also thankful for the free spay services.
“Nalipay kog dako nga anaa ko ani nga kahigayunan kay ang among mga iro ma-ligate aron dili na manganak, unya libre pa jud,” said Lucy Bustamante.
‘Para dili na sila manganak, dakong tabang jud ni nga libre nga ma-ligate among iro,” Antonia Tanqueson added.
Before the rollout, the BACF team paid a courtesy visit to the Capitol on February 10, welcomed by Vice Gov. Nick Besas, Chief of Staff Atty. Filipina Asoy-Piollo, and Dr. Paman.
Aligned with the Capitol’s Strategic Governance Roadmap, the program reinforces Bohol’s commitment to inclusive community health, responsible pet ownership, and sustainable development, consistent with its status as a UNESCO Global Geopark. (𝗣𝗜𝗠𝗢/𝗝𝗦𝗦)
