Written by: Agnes M. Taveros
The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (FVM), Visayas State University, proudly received the Award for Outstanding Veterinary Extension Service from the Municipality of San Isidro, Leyte. The award, dated March 20, 2025, was officially handed over on March 26, 2025, and accepted by Dr. Harvie P. Portugaliza, Dean of FVM, on behalf of the faculty.
This recognition highlights the long-standing partnership between FVM and San Isidro through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed in 2023. Since then, the faculty has conducted yearly, day-long veterinary medical missions in the municipality.
These activities, offered free of charge courtesy of the Municipality of San Isidro, include:
- Dog and cat castration and spaying
- Consultation services for small and large animal owners
- Seminars on Newcastle Disease and Rabies Awareness (IEC distribution)
- Rabies vaccination
- Vitamin supplementation and deworming for livestock and pets
The award recognized FVM’s exceptional dedication to community service through its VET MENDS (Value-added Education and Training) Extension Project. This initiative is especially important to respond to the needs of underserved communities in Leyte, help control and treat animal diseases, and support rabies prevention and control through regular dog vaccination, promotion of responsible pet ownership, and conduct of spay and neuter initiatives for dogs and cats.
This milestone would not have been possible without the support of our partners and team, to whom we extend our deepest gratitude:
- The Municipality of San Isidro – for believing in the value of veterinary extension work and supporting FVM in its core function of community extension.
- Animal Owners – for their cooperation which is key in controlling diseases, promoting animal welfare, and ensuring a healthier animal population in their communities.
- FVM Staff – for their behind-the-scenes and on-the-ground support that help ensure every extension mission runs smoothly.
- Our DVM Clinicians – for stepping up and filling in the workforce gap; while their skills are still being developed, their efforts during these activities already make a real impact.
This award reflects what we can achieve through teamwork, compassion, and service. We look forward to more years of working with the Municipality of San Isidro and continuing our mission of bringing veterinary care to communities that need it the most.
[This article aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals: No. 3 (Good Health and Well-being), No. 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), No. 15 (Life on Land), and No. 17 (Partnership for the Goals)].
Tags: #Rabies awareness, #SoarFVM-VSU, #SustainableDevelopmentGoals, #VETMends, #VSU, Extension Activities, Leyte, San Isidro
