CONCEPCION, Tarlac — The Municipal Veterinary Office of Concepcion conducted a free pet neuter program on Tuesday, October 7, 2026, providing surgical procedures for 43 male dogs and cats at the Atrium of the Concepcion Municipal Government Center.
The initiative formed part of the municipality’s observance of Animal Welfare Week, an annual celebration held during the first week of October to promote the humane treatment of animals and responsible pet ownership.
Dr. Roland Arciga, head of the Municipal Veterinary Office, led the activity in coordination with the Provincial Veterinary Office of Tarlac. The program was designed to help pet owners save on the cost of neutering operations while addressing the growing population of stray and unowned animals in the community.
“This is to promote their well-being, para maging healthy sila, at the same time to control the population of dogs and cats in Concepcion,” Arciga said, describing the program as an initial step toward building a responsible pet ownership community.
Animal Welfare Week has been officially observed in the Philippines since 2004, anchored on Republic Act No. 8485, or the Animal Welfare Act of 1998, as amended by RA 10631. The law mandates the protection and promotion of the welfare of all animals and penalizes cruelty, maltreatment, neglect, and abandonment.
Two days prior to the neuter program, on October 5, the municipal veterinary office also conducted an information campaign on the importance of enforcing the Animal Welfare Act. The session included preparations for the potential effects of a “Super El Niño,” which poses significant health risks to companion animals.
Animal welfare advocates have urged government agencies to integrate animal protection into disaster preparedness plans, noting that extreme heat, drought, and typhoons can severely affect both farmed and companion animals.
According to Dr. Arciga, he hopes the neuter program can be sustained in the coming months, citing the support of Mayor Noel Villanueva and Vice Mayor Evelyn Rivera. However, no definite schedule or confirmation has been announced yet for future rounds of the program.
The free neuter program reflects Concepcion’s continuing effort to promote animal welfare and responsible pet ownership. With 43 pets served, the activity marks a modest but meaningful step toward a healthier and better-managed animal population in the municipality.
