Meet ‘Bantay,’ Makati City’s resident mascot

The Makati government will formally introduce to the public “Bantay,” the city’s mascot for responsible pet ownership, on Sunday at the Ayala Triangle Park, part of the city’s activities  marking World Animal and World Rabies Day.

Free antirabies vaccination services will also be available for pet dogs and cats of participating pet owners.

Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay Jr. said Bantay would  serve as an “ambassador” for animals in  a society free from diseases attributed to animals.

Dr. Raffy Viray of the Department of Health said around 200 to 300 Filipinos die of rabies every year. Most  of the victims are children aged five to 14 years old.

At least 257 deaths were recorded in 2010, he said, adding that animal bite cases have risen  in the past five years.

This prompted the city government, Animal Welfare Coalition (AWC) and Pet Food Institute to initiate activities aimed at raising awareness on  the danger of the rabies virus.

The AWC works  with  government agencies in initiating antirabies programs  under the National Rabies Prevention and Control Committee.