MANILA, Philippines - The annual UP Lantern Parade this year is deemed to be extra merry as the university allowed dogs to march alongside their owners for the first time in its 93-year history.
The Friends of Campus Animals (FOCA UP), an animal welfare advocacy group, made the initial announcement on its official Facebook page.
This year's lantern parade will definitely be different as dogs will be joining UP's annual holiday activity. We are...
Posted by FOCA on Monday, November 30, 2015
The inclusion of dogs in the parade promotes the good relationship between people and animals in the University. Moreover, it is also a reminder of how important it is to make sure that pets are given anti-rabies vaccine shots.
Many attendees were delighted to hear the news, expressing their excitement to attend the event:
why yes i will be attending the lantern parade! i cannot wait to see the selection of dogs- i mean floats, going by w/ their owners- ARTISTS
— nini martini (@kahlohalo) December 13, 2015 Excited for the lantern parade not because of the lanterns but because of the dogs. Come to me, gorgeous, fluffy dogs!!!!!!
— Manuel (@ManuelSanMateo) December 13, 2015 The ban on dogs in the campus will be lifted only for that day.
In line with the parade, University Avenue (from Jacinto St. to Quezon Ave.) and the entire Academic Oval will be closed from 1:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. on December 14.