Sta. Cruz island nominated for

‘Rabies-free village’ citation

ZAMBOANGA CITY, (ZNS) -Sta. Cruz Island, one of the city’s famous attractions, has been nominated for the Rabies-free village citation given the zero-rabies cases (among humans or animals) it registered the last 5 years.

City Veterinarian Mario Arriola said the nomination was made by the Zamboanga City Rabies Eradication and Control Coordinating Council (ZCRECCC) for endorsement by the Regional Rabies Council (RRC).

The National Rabies Council is the agency that makes the declaration following an RRC endorsement.

Arriola together with the RRC that included representatives from the Department of Agriculture regional office and other agencies including Acting City Police Director Col. Angelito Casimiro yesterday visited Sta. Cruz Island to conduct verification and validation of the ZCRECC nomination.

“Hopefully, the RRC will make the endorsement so that the island can be declared a rabies-free village”, Arriola said.

The local rabies council will visit other island well as interior and farflung barangays to determine which other areas deserve to be nominated for the national citation.

The City Health Office and City Veterinarian Office have records of rabies cases while the DA-9 office through its laborary also has a record of rabies cases.

Arriola said Sta. Cruz Island’s nomination for the citation is intended to help boost tourism. The island is observed to be a bat sanctuary and has an existing village with cats, dogs and other kinds of animals. (Sheila Covarrubias) (081214)