Filtered by: Topstories

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has identified 11 canine companions that will serve as “Doctor Dogs” for the agency’s Angel Pets Program in Cebu City.

Evaluators conducted a temperament test last April 8 at the Area Vocational Rehabilitation Center II (AVRC II) in Barangay Labangon.

This was to assess the suitability of volunteer dogs of various breeds for animal-assisted therapy under the Angel Pets Program.

Golden Retrievers, Shih Tzus, Dachshunds, Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, Poodles and Aspins took part in the screening while their owners attended a special orientation to understand the specific guidelines of the initiative.

“These newly chosen animals will play a critical role in our structured interventions to enhance the emotional well-being of our clients,” said a DSWD Assistant Secretary and spokesperson.

The DSWD’s Angel Pets Program is recognized as the first locally documented animal-assisted therapy program in the Philippines and is part of the agency’s efforts to explore alternative and compassionate methods of care.

It is implemented in partnership with the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS).

The Angel Pets Program provides animal-assisted therapy sessions to vulnerable sectors. Doctor Dogs are specially-trained dogs that “deliver positive experiences and therapeutic benefits.”

The agency stressed that the program highlights the “positive outcomes of the bond between humans and trained Doctor Dogs to enhance the well-being and resilience of highly vulnerable individuals.”

“Integrating trained pets into our facilities allows us to offer an innovative approach to healing that complements our existing psychosocial services,” the spokesperson said.

Representatives from the PAWS, DSWD’s Social Technology Bureau (STB), DSWD Field Office (FO) 7 – Central Visayas Social Technology Unit (STU), and the Island Rescue Organization (IRO) facilitated the assessment to gauge how the dogs respond to different social triggers.

“The unconditional love that these Doctor Dogs bring can break down walls that traditional therapies sometimes struggle to penetrate,” the DSWD spokesperson said.

The DSWD will deploy the successful canine candidates to conduct regular therapeutic sessions with selected residents at the Home for Girls in Central Visayas.

Aside from helping trauma survivors process their experiences, the program also incorporates advocacy campaigns to promote responsible pet ownership in communities.

“We are finalizing preparations for a wider regional scale-up this June so we can bring this specialized emotional support to more people,” the spokesperson added.

GNO Newsletter Sending Email Logo

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is the primary government agency in the Philippines responsible for social welfare programs, disaster response, and poverty alleviation. It was formally established in 1915 as the Public Welfare Board and has evolved through various names and structures to its current form in 1987, centralizing the government’s efforts to protect the rights and promote the well-being of marginalized sectors.

Angel Pets Program

The Angel Pets Program is a community-based initiative, often associated with animal shelters or veterinary clinics, that provides financial assistance or temporary foster care for the pets of individuals facing crises such as hospitalization, domestic violence, or homelessness. Its history stems from recognizing the human-animal bond and the need to keep pets with their families during difficult times, preventing surrender and promoting well-being. By offering this support, the program helps ensure pets are cared for while their owners regain stability.

Area Vocational Rehabilitation Center II (AVRC II)

The Area Vocational Rehabilitation Center II (AVRC II) is a vocational training and rehabilitation facility in India, established to empower persons with disabilities through skill development and job placement services. It was created under the broader framework of government initiatives, such as the Persons with Disabilities Act, to promote economic self-sufficiency and social inclusion by providing tailored vocational training in various trades.

Barangay Labangon

Barangay Labangon is one of the oldest and largest barangays (districts) in Cebu City, Philippines, with a history dating back to the pre-colonial era when it was a thriving settlement. Today, it is a primarily residential and commercial urban area known for landmarks like the historic San Nicolas de Tolentino Parish Church, which was established in the 19th century.

Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS)

The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) is a non-profit organization founded in 1954, making it one of the oldest animal welfare groups in the Philippines. Its mission is to prevent animal cruelty, promote humane treatment, and operate a shelter for rescued animals through advocacy, education, and direct rescue operations.

Social Technology Bureau (STB)

The Social Technology Bureau (STB) is a fictional government agency featured in the anime and manga series *Psycho-Pass*. It is a branch of the Ministry of Welfare’s Public Safety Bureau in a dystopian future Japan, tasked with investigating and apprehending latent criminals identified by the omnipresent Sibyl System. Its history is thus part of the show’s narrative, created to explore themes of justice, free will, and surveillance in a technologically controlled society.

DSWD Field Office (FO) 7 – Central Visayas Social Technology Unit (STU)

The DSWD Field Office 7 – Central Visayas Social Technology Unit (STU) is a regional office of the Philippine Department of Social Welfare and Development. Its primary function is to develop, pilot, and promote innovative social programs and service models to address poverty and vulnerability within the Central Visayas region.

Island Rescue Organization (IRO)

The Island Rescue Organization (IRO) is a fictional entity, most notably featured in the 1960s British television series *Stingray* as a global security and emergency response force. In the show’s universe, it is headquartered on Marineville and operates advanced submarines and technology to protect the world’s oceans from various threats. As a creation of Gerry and Sylvia Anderson, it represents a classic mid-20th-century sci-fi vision of an international peacekeeping organization.