Spay and Neuter Drive in Marawi Empowers Responsible Pet Ownership | AKF
- Tony Inting AKF
- Jul 7
- 3 min read
Vets for Peace: Marawi Holds First Spay and Neuter Drive
In a move toward responsible pet ownership and in creating a safer, more animal-friendly community, a two-day spay and neuter drive was held within the Capitol Halls in Marawi, Lanao Del Sur.
Rising Pet Ownership in Marawi Calls for Responsible Action
According to Dr. Al Hussein Domaot, the Provincial Veterinarian of Lanao Del Sur, there has been a noticeable rise in pet ownership, particularly among cats, among the Maranaos, especially following the pandemic. More and more residents have come to love and care for their animals, especially cats. He shared that while this is a positive change that he wants to support, responsible pet ownership must be emphasized, and it starts with caring for our pets through spaying, neutering, and vaccination.
AKF and PAHA Lead Free Spay and Neuter Services
During the two-day activity, over 500 cats were spayed and neutered in a milestone veterinary mission spearheaded by the Philippine Animal Hospital Association (PAHA) and Animal Kingdom Foundation (AKF). AKF, together with PAHA, continues to travel across the country to reach areas without regular or with limited veterinary access. “This is part of our Vet Access Program, and PAHA is a key partner,” said Atty. Heidi Marquez, President and Program Director of AKF. “We help local governments raise awareness on responsible pet ownership through education and spaying and neutering as a humane population control method.” Pet and responsible pet ownership, as well as rabies awareness, are important to be shared to the community, she added.
Reaching Underserved Communities Through Vet Access
PAHA President Dr. Mitzi Padrinao shared this passion strongly as she brings along with her equally passionate PAHA member-veterinarians, PVMA and Vets Love Nature veterinary volunteers as surgeons. Dr. Padrinao said that “Volunteerism is central to our mission.
PAHA holds four major outreach activities a year, providing spay/neuter services, vaccinations, and pet education. Dr. Padrinao added that spaying and neutering pets doesn’t just help control the animal population—it prevents serious health issues like pyometra in females and testicular cancer in males. It also reduces the urge to roam, decreasing the likelihood of fights, accidents, or disease transmission among animals.
There are no local veterinary clinics in Marawi, and most residents travel to Iligan City for veterinary care, often a challenge for many other pet-owning families. Jointly, PAHA and AKF saw the need to bring veterinary services to underserved areas, like Marawi, Lanao Del Sur. The community welcomed the gesture and generosity of the veterinarians and AKF, and went home with smiles on their faces as they were provided not just with free veterinary services but also post-operation medicines and e-collars to ensure the safe and quick recovery of their pets.
A Healthier Pet Community and a More Peaceful City
For its part, Dr. Jerry Alcantara, PVMA President, described the event as a success and called on future veterinarians to support the ongoing efforts in Lanao del Sur. “A place free from rabies is a peaceful place worth visiting. Let’s make that vision real here in Marawi.”
Marawi City, still recovering from the 2017 siege, continues to rebuild and rise stronger with initiatives that extend care not just to people, but to all living beings within the community.
Animal Kingdom Foundation is committed to promoting responsible pet ownership and bringing humane veterinary services where they’re needed most. Help us reach more communities like Marawi — donate today or follow us on Facebook for updates on our outreach missions.
Comments