Animals too benefited from the Pacific Partnership 2012

By PIA Samar / AVHA H. EBALDE
June 30, 2012

CATBALOGAN CITY  –  The Pacific Partnership 2012 (PP12) benefited not only the people of Samar but also 1,000 animals in Samar since day one of their mission on June 19 that lasted until June 30.

World veterinarian volunteers who live on board the US Navy Ship Mercy provided their veterinary services on shore in Samar island as part of the PP12 mission.

PP12 conducted 12 Veterinary Civic Action Program (VETCAP) missions in 10 sites in Samar, two in Northern Samar and treated about one thousand animals.

The VETCAP treated birds, pigeons, chickens, monkeys, cats, dogs, carabaos, cows, pigs, and goats, some were brought to them, some they tracked down with the owners on the lead.

Calbayog City Veterinary office assisted the World Vets in the VETCAP mission in giving oral and injectable vitamins and deworming (external, internal parasitism) the animals.

Meanwhile, US Navy Commander Sonia Maria Lohmeyer said that VETCAP is also part of the Disaster Preparedness, she said that in times of disaster the animals are the least priority to save, but with this VETCAP the people would know how important their animals are, too.

PP12 has the motto, Prepare in Calm to Respond in Crisis in addressing necessary precautions in calamity prone countries in the Pacific.

As a country is often besieged with calamities, the PP12 ensures that people, especially those in high-risk areas, are properly informed and prepared against disasters.

Congressman Mel Senen Sarmiento of Samar’s First District thanked the US benefactors in the closing ceremony.