‘VET Mends’ (#vetmends) was coined to foster trust and confidence in the work of professional veterinarians in supporting community extension services (veterinary outreach) focused on training seminars & workshops on better animal health care & management. This is a new Extension Project of the College of Veterinary Medicine, Visayas State University for 2021.
The concept rooted from the word ‘mend’ which means to fix, cure, heal, or restore, with a mission to provide and support integrated veterinary health care in the locality encompassing animal species commonly raised as livestock or pets, while linking together commodity producers and pet owners, private veterinary suppliers, barangay animal health workers (i.e., BAHWs), along with the local government decision makers. This project aligns with VSU President’s catchphrase for 2021: “Connecting communities and the environment in attaining university’s VMGO”.
The primary focus of the project is: VET Plus or Value-added Education and Training on animal health management, welfare, and profitable livestock production, plus basic diagnosis and prophylaxis. This project believes that veterinary outreaches can positively impact the livelihood of commodity producers through improved animal health and disease prevention.
Animal owners will also benefit from the introduction of new technologies and practices in animal health management including increased linkages with veterinary support organizations. Moreover, there is a need to educate the community of the serious threat brought about by zoonotic diseases particularly those endemic in the locality.
VET Mends is led by the following core team:
- Project Leader: Dr. Santiago T. Peña, Jr.
- Co-Project Leader: Dr. Kenny Oriel A. Olana
- Component Leaders:
- Small Animal Health: Dr. Lotis M. Balala
- Swine Health: Dr. Shiela R. Rabe
- Poultry Health: Dr. Joan Marie Y. Cormanez
- Ruminant & Equine Health: Dr. Delfin E. Cabardo, Jr.
- Microlivestock: Dr. Shebelle A. Cueva
The College of Veterinary Medicine, Visayas State University has been in the frontline of veterinary services within Baybay City, Leyte and the nearby LGUs. With a population of at least 110,000 and being the 3rd most populous LGU within the Province of Leyte distributed among 92 barangays (89% rural), livestock growers and pet owners in Baybay City undoubtedly require enormous veterinary health support both from private and government sources.
As part of the mandate of the Visayas State University in the promotion of sustainable communities and the environment, the College of Veterinary Medicine is strategically positioned to support the attainment of the institution’s vision and mission.