DIAMONDS IN THE RUFF

Mr Obi Mapua with [L-R] Dr. Emelita Javier (VP for Student Affairs), Engr. Jose Eduardo Valdez Jr. (College President and COO), and the PATTSean volunteers of the event.

A sPAWtacular fundraising webinar project called Stray Lives Matter PH was set off by the PATTS Tourism Society (PTS), together with Stray Haven - an animal rescue team from Las Piñas, last October 8, 2022 via Zoom . The event aimed to raise money for the stray animals of Parañaque City and featured an animal welfare conference to educate and increase awareness for stray animals, hence, the title “Saving Animals, Serving Community: Stray Lives Matter”.

Ms. Beverly May L. Cuba, Administrative Assistant at Animal Doctors Veterinary Service Corporation and the webinar’s Guest Speaker, provided an expert lecture and insight on proper care and treatment for animals, regardless of the type and breed of the animal. She began by stating that pet owners and animal communities should be made aware of their responsibilities to help care for and protect these animals, including the people around them. She emphasized that good animal welfare is an important part of ensuring animal health, and that in order to be a responsible pet owner, one must understand how to provide adequate sustenance - not just food and water, but also warmth, shelter, stimulation, and healthcare. Ms. Cuba also gave a background on the “Anti-Rabies Act of 2007 (RA 9482), an act providing for the control and elimination of human and animal rabies, prescribing penalties for violation thereof and appropriating funds thereof.” She stated how a pet owner should abide by this Act for the safety of their pets and the public. She likewise gave a guide on proper pet vaccinations, especially rabies, to avoid illness or viral infections of any kind that may be harmful to both humans and the pets. Then, she provided the audience with a lesson on the importance of neutering or spaying to avoid the unwanted numbers of animals that a person could have so as to adequately provide for its needs. After all, this is part of the owner’s responsibility.

However, the owner’s responsibility must not only end with his or her own pets, but to all animals as well. Ms. Cuba raised awareness about the sad reality of how stray animals are mistreated, including the conditions of the animals in shelters and on the streets. All beings, especially sentient beings, must never be maltreated, neglected, or deprived of adequate care. She taught RA 10631: Section 4, a law protecting animals against cruelty, maltreatment, or neglect, and how a person, upon final conviction, must be punished with imprisonment and/or a fine according to its degree. Continuing further, as an expert in the field of animal welfare, Ms. Cuba entertained questions from the attendees about their concerns and queries about the lecture and as pet owners, varying from where to ask for veterinary help regarding pets, first-aid procedures for pets, and all sorts of curiosities in relation to the topic.

As part of the event, adorable and hilarious pet photo submissions were also showcased. Winners who were chosen received a cash gift as a prize. Millicent Gabriel, with the charming photo of her pet Siberian Husky, Brolly, won first prize. Before the event was over, certificates of appreciation were given to the honored guests to thank them for coming.

Animals are also conscious beings. The webinar was an eye-opener how powerless animals could be. It is, therefore, our responsibility, as capable human beings, to help and provide for their needs and protect them from harm. Though not paramount to human beings, it must be taken with seriousness that animal lives matter.