FUR the love of country: MSU-IIT celebrates Pet Day 2025 with PAWtriotism

To promote patriotism through compassion and responsible pet ownership, the Philippine Animal Welfare Society - Youth For Animals (PAWS-YFA), in partnership with the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Services (OVCSS) and the City Veterinarians Office, spearheaded Pet Day 2025 today, October 29,  at the MSU-IIT Gymnasium with the theme “PAWtriotism: Be Proud, Be FURbulous, Let Your Pet’s Patriotic Spirit MEOWnifest”.

In her opening address, Professor Rohane M. Derogongan, Vice Chancellor for Student Services, linked patriotic values to responsible pet ownership.

“For the safety of the future of our country, we are calling for more love for the nation,” she remarked. “We began this expression of patriotism through small yet meaningful actions. Calamities are happening, and while they are unstoppable, we can manage them. One thing for sure—never abandon your pet in times of disaster or calamity.”

Also present also in this annual event is the City Veterinarian’s Office, who offered free neutering, vaccination, deworming, and distribution of pet treats and giveaways. Priority was given to the stray cats residing within campus premises, ensuring their health and safety while humanely managing their growing population.

Vea Kathrina Sajonia, from the Rabies Buster - Animal Bite Center, presented updates on rabies prevention efforts, reporting 260 rabies cases from January to September 2025. She stressed the importance of pre-exposure prophylaxis, a three-dose vaccination administered prior to possible exposure, as an essential preventive measure.

Serving also as the culminating activity of the Mental Health Month celebration, Pet Day 2025 highlighted how caring for animals can enhance emotional and psychological well-being. Interactive booths from various sponsors, along with fun games and a raffle, enriched the event by providing educational materials and pet care essentials.

Krisha Gift M. Antoijao, PAWS-YFA President, shared the relevance of conducting programs like Pet Day 2025, emphasizing that such initiatives serve as an avenue to advocate for the welfare of the campus cats—not only the longtime residents, but also the newest symbolic identity of MSU-IIT.

“This is one of the advocacies of YFA which is to kapon (neuter) the campus cats to control their growing number inside the campus. Also, we want them to be vaccinated to avoid cases of rabies,” she said.

Through Pet Day 2025, MSU-IIT reaffirmed that patriotism can be expressed through compassion—not only toward fellow citizens but also toward animals that share the same environment. The initiative strengthened the Institute’s vision of a caring academic community where every life is valued.

Written by Adam Vincent Perez
Proofread by Fame Orong
Layout by Ricardo Jose Gagno