The Veterinary Practitioners Association of the Philippines (VPAP) recognized Dr. Daria Manalo as Most Outstanding Veterinarian of 2019 in Laboratory Animal Practice at their 47th Annual Scientific Conference last June 5-7, 2019 at the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria Hotel in Ortigas Avenue, Pasig City.

Dr. Daria Manalo is the Chief Science Research Specialist of the RITM Veterinary Research Department (VRD).

According to Dr. Manalo, she has RITM to thank for playing a major part in honing her veterinary profession. “This is where I started my career as a laboratory animal and veterinary public health practitioner,” she mused. Dr. Manalo has been with RITM since 1992 and is one of the Rabies Research Group’s core members.

“I want to help in the improvement of the laboratory animal practice in the Philippines and make researchers aware that there are existing laws, rules, and regulations in conducting research involving animals,” Dr. Manalo reflected on what she hopes to accomplish next. The RITM-VRD is already taking part in this initiative through its Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) and through regularly conducting training on the ethical use of laboratory animals in research.

When asked about what she would advise young aspiring researchers, Dr. Manalo said, “Keep on doing your job well, seek advice, and accept criticism positively to improve yourself. And of course, we are just human; we are not perfect. Recognize your inaccuracies and try to make changes [to avoid making] the same mistakes.”

With the conference themed “Advocating Veterinary Medicine Through Sound Animal Welfare Practice,” Dr. Manalo also presented her study entitled “Effectiveness of House-to-House Strategy of Dog Rabies Vaccination in a Peri-Urban Setting in the Philippines” in the session on the role of the government in veterinary medicine practice.

The plaque of recognition was awarded by VPAP Awards Committee Chair Dr. Lester Louis Lopez.

Founded in 1972, the VPAP is the country’s oldest association for veterinary practitioners with different specializations. It has since hosted forums yearly to facilitate scientific discussions on veterinary practice.