QUEZON CITY (PIA) — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), in collaboration with the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), officially launched its new program, “Angel Pets,” at the Marillac Hills National Training School for Girls (NTSG) in Muntinlupa City on November 16. The program featured PAWS’ volunteer therapy dogs, known as “Dr. Dogs.”
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said on his Facebook page that the initiative is an innovative way to improve services provided by DSWD Centers and Residential Care Facilities (CRCFs).
“This program will bring the Doctor Dogs (emotional support dogs) of PAWS into our residential care facilities as another mode of emotional therapy for our clients who are victim-survivors of abuse, exploitation, and neglect,” he wrote.
The Angel Pets program promotes animal-assisted therapy to improve mental well-being. It seeks to help in the rehabilitation and reintegration of vulnerable populations by combining positive and enjoyable interactions with animals into therapeutic and supporting activities.
During the session, the PAWS team introduced the dogs who were visiting the facility, followed by interactive activities with the young girls from Marillac. The children were encouraged to tell stories about their day to their new animal friends and bond over storybooks and coloring books.
The pilot program started at Marillac Hills – NSTG, a facility that assists girls between the ages of 7 and 17 who have experienced abuse, human trafficking, or conflict with the law.
The Sanctuary Center, a 24-hour care facility for adult women (18+) who have experienced abuse, neglect, or have psycho-social disabilities, will also be visited by the Dr. Dogs program in December. (GLDG/PIA-NCR)
