THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is expanding its Angel Pets program to reach more areas in the Visayas and Mindanao.
Angel Pets is recognized as the first locally documented animal-assisted therapy initiative in the Philippines, marking a significant milestone in the development of innovative psychosocial interventions within the social welfare sector.
Through this initiative, the DSWD aims to generate local proof and best practices on the therapeutic value of human–animal interaction, with the goal of strengthening program models that support healing, recovery, and resilience among vulnerable populations.
“In the department, we serve Filipinos who have experienced various kinds of distress and in need of interventions, including therapy,” Secretary Rex Gatchalian said during the relaunch of Angel Pets last year. Maricel V. Cruz
