MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Tuesday announced that free anti-rabies and animal bite vaccinations are now available in several national and local government hospitals and health centers across the country.

Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a press briefing that the move aims to help Filipinos, especially those concerned about rabies exposure after being bitten or scratched by pets.

“Sakaling nakagat o nakalmot kayo ng inyong mga alagang aso at pusa, nangangamba sa rabies, libre po ang pagbabakuna sa mga government hospitals,” Castro said.

She added that the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) also offers partial subsidies for those who seek treatment in private hospitals and clinics through its Animal Bite Treatment (ABT) package.

“Sa mga dudulog naman po sa mga private hospitals, may animal bite package naman ang PhilHealth,” she said.

Castro also reminded parents to avail of free routine immunization for children aged zero to five years old in public health centers and hospitals.

Rabies remains a major global health threat, causing an estimated 60,000 to 70,000 deaths annually. According to PhilHealth, the Philippines ranks sixth among countries with the highest incidence of rabies.

To expand access to treatment, PhilHealth increased its ABT package to P5,850 from the previous P3,000. The coverage includes rabies vaccines, rabies immune globulin, local wound care, tetanus toxoid and anti-tetanus serum, antibiotics, and essential medical supplies.