A call for paw-sitive change

The 19th Congress has introduced new laws with the potential to significantly improve the lives of Filipinos. Among the most impactful is a bill advancing in the Senate that seeks to impose stricter penalties for animal cruelty. Its progression marks a crucial step toward building a more inclusive and humane society – one that upholds the rights of all living beings and reflects our value of compassion.

Spearheaded by Sen. Grace Poe, the bill seeks to amend the 1998 Animal Welfare Act, introducing stricter standards and tougher penalties for violators. Likewise, it aims to establish a Barangay Animal Welfare Task Force to address local animal welfare concerns and ensure effective response.

This initiative comes in response to a growing number of reported animal abuse cases in recent years, many of which have gained widespread attention on social media, sparking public outrage and urgent calls for action.

While stronger legislation is a welcome development in the push for better treatment of animals, this alone cannot guarantee their well-being. Through the collective effort of multi-sectoral stakeholders, including government, the private sector, and the community, we can turn policies into consistent, meaningful action.

This is especially crucial, as 64 percent of Filipino households own pets, while an estimated 13 million stray cats and dogs roam the country, according to a 2024 report by the Mars Petcare Pet Homelessness Project. This data underscores the need for more proactive involvement from both the private sector and the community in driving strategic, long-term solutions through the development and implementation of strategic and comprehensive animal welfare programs.

Beyond improving the living conditions of stray animals, these programs are critical in safeguarding public health and safety, particularly in preventing the spread of rabies.

Significant strides have been made in raising awareness for ethical animal treatment, yet much more remains to be done, especially in fostering deeper private sector and community engagement.

This realization resonated with me even more following Meralco’s recent recognition by the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) for the company’s contributions to animal welfare. PAWS acknowledged Meralco as a pioneer in this advocacy, having supported the organization for two decades running.

Meralco’s animal welfare program “CATropa,” which I personally champion, was also recognized for working toward creating a safe space for community animals, specifically stray cats. This is being achieved through the Spay It Forward campaign that involves the implementation of Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, Return (TNVR) activities to control the stray population.

Spearheaded by Meralco’s Advocacy Communication Management head Michelle Caguioa, this program does not only promote animal welfare by helping address the threat of rabies but also promotes the overall well-being of various communities.

Since its launch, CATropa has become a model on how companies can integrate animal welfare in their respective corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs – an initiative that can be mirrored within the private sector.

The good news is that companies can leverage their respective expertise to promote animal welfare. Case in point- property developers can consider pets in designing real estate developments to ensure that these are community animal-friendly, while cosmetic companies can do away with animal testing of their products. Food and beverage companies, meanwhile, can promote sustainable sourcing of animal-based products while pharmaceutical firms can commit to cruelty-free testing or develop products that avoid animal exploitation. Companies can also pursue collaborations with animal welfare groups and local shelters to promote adoption drives to garner community support and raise awareness.

If more companies integrate animal welfare initiatives in their CSR portfolios, we can foster an environment of systemic support and collaboration to find sustainable solutions to recurring problems and persisting challenges.

Even individuals can make a difference, after all, small efforts can lead to meaningful change. Personally, I have adopted two stray cats who are now cherished members of my family, proving that compassion, no matter how simple, can transform lives.

I would like to personally thank two animal welfare champions, Rina Ortiz of Biyaya Animal Care and lawyer Anna Cabrera of PAWS. Both epitomize what animal care and welfare is all about. May the universe continue to shower them with blessings and gratitude. In many ways, businessman and philanthropist Manny V. Pangilinan (MVP) is also recognized for his kindness and generosity. Through the CSR initiatives of the companies MVP leads, he has consistently demonstrated commitment to uplifting the lives of Filipinos. Numerous stories and interviews highlight how both his business and personal endeavors are driven by a deep sense of purpose and social responsibility, and now through Meralco for its animal welfare advocacy.

I have said before that our treatment of animals mirrors our soul as a nation. It is high time that we realize that investing in animal welfare is not a mere act of charity but rather, a demonstration of commitment toward creating a more compassionate, healthy and sustainable society.