Ilocos Norte vet awarded as top Phl veterinarian

LAOAG CITY -- Ilocos Norte’s provincial veterinarian Dr. Loida Valenzuela was awarded “most outstanding veterinarian in government service” by Philippine Veterinary Medical Association (PVMA) during its national convention last February 22 in Baguio City.

PVMA is a counterpart of the Philippine Medical Association, bringing together registered Filipino veterinarians as accredited by the Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC).

To recognize individuals’ efforts to solve issues in the field of veterinary medicine, PVMA acknowledges its exemplar members yearly through its national convention.

Representing the province, Valenzuela was one of the fifteen prospects for the said award coming from different regions.

She said that the award serves as their pride, showing not only her morals and accomplishments, but of all veterinarians in Ilocos Norte.

She also expressed her gratitude to the PVMA, saying the award was worth more than anything of monetary value.

Her colleagues had been encouraging her to apply for the award the past three years, but Valenzuela said she had to prove herself worthy by looking for solutions to one of the most widespread problems in veterinary medicine: rabies which she said could be eradicated.

Gov. Imee R. Marcos commended the Provincial Veterinary Office “for doubling your efforts in eliminating rabies which involve massive dog vaccination and registration as well as early childhood intervention.”

Valenzuela urged pet owners to vaccinate their pets, and her fellow veterinarians to monitor rabies cases, particularly canine bites.--  Ma. Christian A. Ramos