Gov’t NGOs work together to aid calamity-hit animals

MANILA, Philippines - As  rehabilitation in the calamity-stricken areas in the Visayas is intensified, the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Animal Industry (DA-BAI) has initiated and spearheaded the Animal Relief and Rehabilitation for the Philippines (ARRPh).

The ARRPh convenes animal welfare groups and streamlines animal disaster response to ensure that efforts are not duplicated and most areas are reached. In particular this government and NGO- initiated collaboration maintains: coordination of all activities in the field; information-sharing on the situation in the field; pooling of available resources; the welfare of animals and mitigate disease of public health importance such as rabies. 

Conceptualized on Nov. 15, the network is also involved in planning and  implementing rehabilitation efforts in the affected areas specifically in providing sustainable livelihood for livestock farmers. 

Member organizations of the ARRPh include: Animal Kingdom Foundation (AKF); Compassion and Responsibility for Animals (CARA); Four Paws; Humane Society International (HSI); International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW); Island Rescue Organization (IRO); National Advisory Committee on Animal Disease Control and Emergency (NACADCE); Network for Animals (NFA); Philippine Animal Hospital Association (PAHA); Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS); Veterinary Corps-Armed Forces of the Philippines; Philippine Veterinary Medical Association (PVMA); World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA); and World Vets.