OIPA has been invited by students to endorse a critical initiative addressing the issue of stray animals at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) Manila campuses. The recently issued Memorandum No. 4 Series of 2023 from the Office of the Vice President for Administration at PUP that was released last October 23, 2023 have put emphasis on the necessity of ensuring a safe and secure environment for all community members regarding stray animal bites and scratches. While acknowledging the importance of this objective, the complex issue of stray animals on campuses could be addressed with a more compassionate and data-driven approach. The Memorandum allows the University Security and Safety Office (USSO) to work with local authorities to capture and relocate stray animals. The same order also requests PUPians not to feed or attempt to interact with these animals to avoid potential risks and insists that pets are not permitted in university offices and classrooms to avoid disruption of operations and classes.
OIPA has called on the OVPA to consider amending the Memorandum and to integrate Stray Watchers Philippines‘ Research, Scoping, and Mapping (RSM) Paper findings. Integration of these findings would contribute to a more compassionate, inclusive, and effective approach to stray animal management at PUP Manila.
The RSM project report critically examines the memorandum, questions its directives, and proposes alternative strategies based on global best practices. Stray Watchers Philippines’ RSM Paper findings recommend an inclusive, humane approach at PUP Manila, aligning campus policies with animal welfare laws, promoting responsible pet ownership, fostering community engagement and supporting ongoing awareness campaigns.
Here are recommendations:
1. Address the lack of specific data in the memorandum by incorporating the findings of the RSM project. Utilize this baseline data for informed decision-making processes.
2. Initiate a comprehensive consultation process involving relevant stakeholders for collaborative and effective solutions.
3. Implement methods such as catch-neuter-return programs, proven to be more empathetic and effective.
4. Engage in open dialogues with the university community regarding pet restrictions, advocating for responsible pet ownership.
5. Develop and implement a comprehensive, long-term strategy for managing the stray animal population, including education and awareness campaigns.
6. Ensure that campus policies align with existing animal welfare laws in the Philippines. Collaborate with authorities for actions in compliance with legal standards.
7. Extend research, scoping, and mapping efforts to include the Hasmin Campus and the College of Engineering Campus, continuously monitoring and adjusting strategies as needed.
Co-existing with Strays as Stray Watchers in PUP Manila, SWP’s recommendations in light of the OVPA’s Memo No. 4 S. of 2023: bit.ly/SWPRSMPaper
Sign the petition here (if you are a student of PUP) to make your voice count: bit.ly/SWPhPetitionOnOVPAMemoNo4S2023
If you are interested to join the group Stray Watchers Philippines, sign up here: http://bit.ly/SWPInterestForm
OIPA short statement on CNVR: “As animal protection organization, we are highly sensitive to the issue of stray animals, how they are treated and around the world and how their population is managed. One of our main objectives as international organization is to encourage the implementation of a permanent CNVR program in local communities. CNVR is the only ethical and humane method of dog population control that do not cause suffering to animals and which is proven being effective to keep under control the number of animals on the territory avoiding unwanted litters and preventing the outbreak of possible diseases, such as rabies. CNVR has to be flanked with constant monitoring and data collection, community awareness and responsible pet ownership initiatives. We have heard about the project of Stray Watchers Philippines and we fully support their recommendations. This initiative is the occasion to start being compassionate towards stray animals and it may represent an example of good inclusive practice also for other local communities. All animals deserve care, protection and respect.”
Our endorsement will strengthen students’ advocacy for a more inclusive environment for stray animals at PUP Manila campuses.
NEXT STEPS OF THE INITIATIVE FOR STRAY ANIMAL OF POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN THE PHILIPPINES. SHALL WE HELP THEM?
(January, 19 2024)
We have recently presented the campaign undertaken by Stray Watchers Philippines, which gathers together university students who advocate for animal welfare, for the stray animals roaming the areas of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), which spans across more than 20 branches throughout the country.
SWP successfully engaged in a dialogue with the University Safety and Security Office (USSO), the entity responsible for impounding animals within the university. The USSO has expressed a willingness to recommend rectifying the existing memo and has shown support for the crafting of a comprehensive roadmap for the university’s animal welfare policies and programs. From this dialogue, Stray Watchers will be spearheading the development of this roadmap, encompassing legal pathways, a reporting system, general plan of action, and more. Concurrently, they are working to build a coalition of animal advocates within the university, counting at the moment of a membership of 500 university students.
With a modest initial investment, they have successfully conducted baseline research scoping and mapping, providing findings that may contribute to a more compassionate, inclusive, and effective approach to stray animal management at PUP Manila.
They are now seeking additional help to carry out new activities and achieve wider objectives:
- Designing a university roadmap animal policy and program for the entire PUP System-wide with 85,000 students.
- Conducting the first animal welfare and rights congress in the Philippines.
- Expanding our scoping and mapping research.
- Providing sustenance to strays and community animals.
Their fund goal is 750 USD, covering logistics, policy briefs, and related expenses, with the aim of reaching this target before January 31. This timeframe is crucial for SWP as the University will only accept policy recommendations from February 1 to February 11.
You can donate to their Paypal @terreynera
