𝐂𝐇𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐈𝐂𝐋𝐄𝐒 | Paws, People, Partnerships: TAU-CVM Launches Adopt-a-Barangay Program in Sta. Ines West

The Tarlac Agricultural University -  College of Veterinary Medicine (TAU-CVM) has officially launched its Adopt-a-Barangay Program in Barangay Sta. Ines West, Sta. Ignacia, Tarlac, strengthening its commitment to bringing veterinary services closer to the community through the One Health framework. The three-year extension initiative (2026–2028) formally began on 2 February 2026, with early efforts focused on planning, stakeholder coordination, and laying the groundwork for long-term engagement. More than a university project, the program aims to build a meaningful and sustainable partnership with the community, where animals remain an essential part of both livelihood and daily family life.

Barangay Sta. Ines West is home to many small-scale farmers who rely on livestock and backyard poultry for income, while the number of companion animals, such as dogs and cats, continues to grow. Despite this strong reliance on animals, access to regular, affordable veterinary care has remained a persistent challenge. Community observations have pointed to recurring concerns such as parasite infestations, poor animal nutrition, and inconsistent rabies vaccination. Many raisers still depend on traditional animal health practices, which, while rooted in experience, may leave gaps in disease prevention and zoonotic control. Recognizing these realities, CVM-TAU adopted the barangay as a partner community, aligning the initiative with Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and advancing the One Health approach that connects animal, human, and environmental health.

At its core, the program seeks to improve animal health and welfare practically and sustainably. Planned services include vaccination, deworming, and minor surgical procedures for domestic animals, alongside community education on responsible pet ownership and disease prevention. The initiative will also support livestock and poultry raisers through training on proper feeding, breeding, and biosecurity practices. In close coordination with the Municipal Agriculture Office and local health units, the program will strengthen zoonotic disease monitoring while building long-term systems that empower the community to sustain these gains even beyond the project period.

Implementation will follow a structured annual cycle involving faculty members, student clinicians, barangay officials, and local government partners. Key activities include coordination meetings, baseline animal health surveys, veterinary medical missions, rabies awareness seminars, livestock and poultry management training, follow-up monitoring visits, and year-end evaluation workshops. Each cycle will be reviewed annually to ensure that the program remains responsive to the evolving needs of the community.

The initiative is spearheaded by Dr. Charlie D. Lacayanga, the CVM-TAU Extension Chair, with the full participation of the college’s faculty and staff. Through the Adopt-a-Barangay Program, the College of Veterinary Medicine continues to move beyond the classroom and into the field where its expertise can create real, lasting impact. As the program shifts from planning to full implementation, it is poised to improve animal health services, boost livestock productivity, and deepen community awareness in Sta. Ines West demonstrating how strong university–community partnerships can uplift both animal and public health in rural areas.