(Last of two parts)
DA Administrative Circular (AC) No. 25 was discussed by Dr. Henry Gwyn Jonathan Salasas and the recent Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) DA Memo No. 2024-126 on the role of the barangay in animal welfare implementation was discussed by provincial director Regina Elizabeth Mammag of the DILG – Cordillera Administrative Region and board member and provincial Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative Benjamin Palbusa. Palbusa, together with a guest IP leader, also discussed the various indigenous rituals using animals while Prosecutor Richard Antero oriented the participants on how to file animal welfare cases.
There was a certain degree of uneasiness and reluctance at the start of the seminar, possibly due to the perceived disrespect of their cultural and religious practices. But after each session, the participants brought an overwhelming commitment and understanding that indeed animal welfare law must be upheld and that religious rituals and practices were considered. It was very helpful that b Palbusa and another IP delegate explained various rituals and practices of tribes. Apparently, while the slaughter of dogs and/or other animals has been claimed to be part of the practice, Palbusa noted that not all are fully aware how the rituals are properly practiced.
More compassion for animals noted
During seminar session, it was mentioned that the younger generations who are IP members were observed to be reluctant to participate in any ritual that involves animals, specially dogs. Most of them are possibly pet owners who consider dogs as part of their family.
Social media has played a crucial role in the rising awareness about animal welfare, care and compassion as pet ownership rise among the Filipino people. Thus, the younger generations who may belong to the IP communities and aware of animal welfare have shied away from these rituals and practices.
The dog meat trade, while a highly contentious issue, requires sensitivity and balance between cultural tradition, ethical concerns, and legal rights, and can be addressed with proper consultation and communication. The animal welfare law and related guidelines are not meant to disrespect nor eliminate cultural traditions and practices. They are placed to protect and promote the welfare of animals that live among us and are part of our daily lives. It is important to communicate as well the value of animal welfare in the community in terms of the benefits and contributions of the animals in the economy, human health and wellness, and the preservation of ecology and environmental protection.
From discussing dog and cat welfare during the seminar, it was interesting that farm animal welfare was brought into the discussion by one of the IP leaders not to affront but rather to determine feasibility. This only signifies the openness to change and to adapt and possibly to accept that animal welfare matters as animal lives are entrenched in daily human activities.
We cannot deny that the dog meat trade and the consumption of its meat for certain rituals and cultural practices may likely continue for a while. We are positive, however, that in due time, as change in human behavior shift to better treatment of animals, the dog meat trade era will eventually end.
As for AKF, it will continue to campaign and collaborate with respective agencies so that animal welfare will become entrenched in every community including the IP community.
About the Author: Atty Heidi M. Caguioa is the president and program director of Animal Kingdom Foundation . To know more about how to help AKF continue its animal welfare work, email them at akfanimalrescue@gmail.com www.akfrescues.org.
