Manila, April 7 -- Ilocos Region now has 111 certified Animal Bite Treatment Centers (ABTCs) and Animal Bite Centers (ABCs/private clinics) providing post exposure prophylaxis and wound care, according to the Department of Health (DOH).

Regional Rabies Prevention and Control Program Manager Ana Fe Perez, in a statement on Tuesday, said these centers play a vital role in rabies prevention.

"If bitten, it is important to clean the wound immediately and proceed to the nearest ABTC. It is likewise important to follow through with prescribed vaccinations," she said.

Treatment in the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth)-accredited centers is free, according to DOH.

Of the total number, 25 are in Ilocos Sur, 12 in Ilocos Nort...