DSWD’s Angel Pets program brings Dr. Dogs in Davao center for girls, women for first therapy session

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) continues to expand the reach of its animal-assisted therapy initiative with the recent launch of the Angel Pets Program in Davao City to help vulnerable sectors cope with trauma.

Ten beneficiaries and five Doctor dogs participated in the first Angel Pets ALAGA (Adaptive Life Assistance Given by Animals) Session at the DSWD Field Office (FO) 11 – Davao Region Home for Girls and Women in Ma-a, Davao City on Saturday (June 27).

The DSWD’s Angel Pets Program is an adaptive life assistance initiative that utilizes the therapeutic effects of trained animals to facilitate the emotional healing and psychosocial rehabilitation of clients recovering from severe abuse and trauma.

DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian underscored the significance of this intervention as an innovative and effective approach to healing.

“There are so many studies that show na ang mga hayop, they have a calming effect para sa atin as a whole. Eto ay isang panibagong programa ng DSWD, it’s an innovation that we believe will help our clients,” Secretary Gatchalian said.

Handlers and beneficiaries officially opened the session by dancing the Dr. Dog Song to create a light and engaging environment for the participants.

Every tail wag, gentle pet, and shared smile during the session reinforced the goal of bringing hope, care, and positive change to the beneficiaries.

“Ako I like dogs, I have dogs so sa akin pag nakikita mo yung alaga mo, minsan nakakalimutan mo lahat ng stress sa buhay. So may mga studies that show na ang alaga, they can help in the therapy or rehabilitation of our clients sa ating mga care facilities. We have to be creative kasi and innovative sa ating mga strategies in trying to help our clients cope with the trauma they are dealing with,” Secretary Gatchalian pointed out.

Prior to the launching in Davao, Secretary Gatchalian went to Cebu to lead the launching of the same animal-assisted therapy program.

The DSWD operates this program in partnership with the animal welfare organization, Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), to assess and qualify rescued street dogs to become certified therapy animals.

The continuous implementation and expansion of the program is in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to provide comprehensive care and innovative interventions for individuals residing in DSWD centers and residential care facilities. (KI)

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