Compassion in Action: Encouraging Children to be Kind to Animals

By Manila Standard

An anniversary celebration was turned into a day of helping animals and children and families of Marikina City.

In a meaningful celebration of courage, kindness, and community service, three organizations joined hands to bring joy, educational resources, and essential services to children and their families during the 5th Anniversary of the Marikeños Courageous Warriors on October 25, 2026, at the City Multipurpose Building in Marikina City.

The organizations are Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA) 124th Squadron, Tails, Trees and Seas Organization Inc. (TTSOI), and the Save Animals of Love and Light (Save ALL).

The gathering celebrated the strength and resilience of children and families facing different health challenges. More than an anniversary celebration, the event became an opportunity for organizations and volunteers to demonstrate that compassion goes beyond words—it is expressed through meaningful actions, generosity, and a commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.

Among the highlights of the celebration was the distribution of the storybook Desiree Carlos: Ang Journalist na Tagapagligtas ng mga Strays, written and illustrated by Lalaine D. Manaog-Danao, Executive Director of TTSOI and also a member of the PCGA 124th Squadron. The books were donated to the children as part of the continuing advocacy of the participating organizations to promote compassion, respect, and responsible care for animals through children’s literature. The storybook features the inspiring work of Desiree Carlos, founder and president of Save ALL, whose dedication to rescuing and protecting stray animals serves as an example of how one person’s compassion can inspire others to take action. Through storytelling, the organizations hope to encourage children to recognize the value of every living being and understand that kindness should extend not only to people but also to animals and the environment. Chocolate and candy bags prepared by Save ALL were also distributed to the children, adding sweetness to an already memorable celebration.

At the PCGA 124th Squadron booth, children and families received various gifts and essential items, including stuffed toys, milk, bread, bags, wipes, and other donations. These contributions reflected the generosity of individuals and organizations who came together to make the anniversary celebration more meaningful.

For children and families who face daily challenges brought about by different illnesses and health conditions, these simple yet thoughtful gifts represented something more profound: the assurance that they are remembered, valued, and supported by a caring community.

The Philippine Coast Guard Dental Station NCR- Central Luzon also provided dental services to the children under the leadership of LCDR Justin N. Eustaquio (PCG). The initiative highlighted the importance of oral health and preventive care, particularly among children who may have limited access to regular dental services.

The partnership demonstrated that caring for children requires a holistic approach—one that recognizes the importance of education, physical health, emotional well-being, and social inclusion.

For the participating organizations, children remain at the heart of their shared mission. Through education, they seek to nurture compassionate and responsible individuals. Through healthcare services, they help promote healthier communities. Through book giving and storytelling, they inspire young minds to develop empathy and respect for all living beings.

The PCGA 124th Squadron, led by Aux Commodore Dr. Nnicolle Lourdes Dela Cruz of the PCGA 124th Squadron, continues to support initiatives that bring meaningful services to communities. As a physician, Commodore Dela Cruz recognizes the importance of programs that address the needs of children, especially those who are navigating different medical conditions alongside their families.

The anniversary celebration provided an opportunity to bring together people from different sectors, united by a common purpose: to make children feel that they are not alone in their journey.

The Marikeños Courageous Warriors and their families face different challenges, but the celebration was filled with smiles, laughter, and excitement. The children received numerous gifts and enjoyed the activities prepared for them, creating moments of happiness that extended beyond the occasion.

For Save ALL, TTSOI, and the PCGA 124th Squadron, the partnership represents a continuing commitment to service and compassion. The organizations believe that teaching children to care for animals is also an important part of teaching them to care for one another. A child who learns to respect a stray dog, protect a vulnerable animal, or show kindness to a living creature is also learning valuable lessons about empathy, responsibility, and humanity.

This article also appears in the Manila Standard