World Rabies Day 2025: “Act Now: You, Me, Community”
Every year on September 28, the world unites to fight one of the oldest but still deadly diseases—rabies. This year’s global theme, “Act Now: You, Me, Community”, echoes powerfully in San Pablo City, where the Rotary Club of San Pablo City South (RCSPCS) celebrates its fifth consecutive year of leading a legacy project that combines mass anti-rabies vaccination with free pet microchipping.
The Birth of a Legacy Project
The initiative began with Denis Reyes, founder of Petdentity Philippines, Past President of RCSPCS, and a GARC (Global Alliance for Rabies Control) Certified Rabies Educator. Believing that rabies prevention should go beyond vaccination, he proposed to include free pet microchipping—giving pets permanent identification while encouraging more owners to join the campaign.
“This project is not only about protecting pets from rabies,” Reyes explained. “It’s about saving lives, promoting responsible ownership, and ensuring no pet goes unidentified.”
His vision turned into a reality through the strong support of RCSPCS and partners. Today, the club is proud to be recognized as the first Rotary club worldwide to integrate free microchipping with rabies vaccination.
Collaboration That Saves Lives
For the past five years, the project has been implemented in partnership with the San Pablo City Veterinary Office, under Dr. Renato Huelas, and with the expertise of Dr. Paulo Mercado, also a Rotarian and owner of Rue St. Roch Veterinary Clinic.
Rotary collaboration has been a cornerstone of the program’s success. In the early years, the Rotary Club of San Pablo Central joined as a partner. This year, the tradition continues with the support of the newly chartered Rotary Club of San Pablo City Diamond, led by Charter President Gemma See, alongside RCSPCS under the leadership of President Archie Cabrera.
By the Numbers (2022–2025)
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2022 – 240 pets vaccinated, 180 microchipped
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2023 – 287 pets vaccinated, 120 microchipped
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2024 – 310 pets vaccinated, 155 microchipped
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2025 – 233 pets vaccinated, 114 microchipped
Over the years, the initiative has safeguarded nearly a thousand dogs and cats, protecting families and communities from the threat of rabies.
A Heart That Works for the Community
This year’s effort reflects the guiding call of District 3820 Governor Jemery Lo, whose theme “Heart Works” emphasizes service rooted in compassion. Through the commitment of Rotarians and partners, the project has become more than just a campaign—it is now a legacy of care and responsibility.
Looking Ahead
With five successful years behind it, the rabies vaccination and pet microchipping program continues to grow stronger. The Rotary Club of San Pablo City South, together with its partners, vows to sustain the project until the vision of a rabies-free Philippines is realized.
In true Rotary spirit of “Service Above Self,” this initiative proves that when “You, Me, and the Community” take action together, lives—both human and animal—are saved.
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