First-Ever Gawad Malasakit sa Hayop Honors Outstanding Compassionate Heroes of the Philippines

By Manila Standard

QUEZON CITY, Philippines — In a landmark celebration of compassion, advocacy, and public service, the 1st Gawad Malasakit sa Hayop: Outstanding Compassionate Heroes of the Philippines was successfully held on April 11 at the University Hotel, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, gathering animal welfare champions, public servants, advocates, and rescuers from various sectors in a historic evening dedicated to honoring those who have made extraordinary contributions to animal welfare.

Organized by Tails, Trees and Seas Organization Inc. (TTSOI) through its Executive Director Lalaine Manaog-Danao, in partnership with the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary 124th Squadron, the event marked the first national recognition program of its kind focused on celebrating individuals whose compassion extends beyond words into meaningful action for animals and communities.

The awards recognized 20 Outstanding Compassionate Heroes of the Philippines, selected based on criteria that include compassionate leadership, animal rescue and welfare advocacy, community service, public education, environmental stewardship, responsible pet ownership promotion, legislative or institutional support for animal welfare, and extraordinary acts of kindness benefiting both animals and people.

“This award is not only about recognizing rescuers and advocates,” said organizers. “It is about honoring people who have made compassion a way of life,” Manaog-Danao said.

Among the distinguished honorees was Hon. Daniel Fernando, Governor of Bulacan Province, recognized as a public servant whose leadership reflects concern not only for people but for animals and the environment.

Rochelle Rubio, broadcast journalist of the Presidential Broadcast Service–Bureau of Broadcast Services and host of The Advocates on 104.3 The Capital, was honored for using media as a platform for advocacy, while also being a dedicated cat lover and rescuer.

Veteran journalist and animal welfare advocate Desiree Carlos, founder and president of Save Animals of Love and Light -SAVE-ALL, was recognized for combining journalism, education, and animal welfare advocacy for a lifelong mission of service.

A standout awardee was Aux Commodore Dr. Nicolle Lourdes Dela Cruz, Chairperson of the Department of Family and Community Medicine at Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center and member of the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary 124th Squadron. A solo rescuer and respected animal welfare advocate, she was recognized for caring for eight dogs, including a retired Belgian military service dog named Adele, symbolizing her deep commitment to animals, including those who have served the nation.

Quezon City 5th District Councilor Hon. Alfred Vargas was honored as a strong supporter of animal rights and welfare, particularly for his love for Aspins or Asong Pinoy and his support for animal protection initiatives.

Entrepreneur and rescuer Cristina Garcia, founder of AurelGar Group, was recognized for caring for 54 rescues and for embodying compassion through both personal advocacy and community leadership.

Environmental and marine wildlife advocate Ma. Therese “Trixie” Concepcion, a geologist and Regional Director of Earth Island Institute Asia Pacific, was recognized for championing dolphins and advocating for animals in captivity, extending the meaning of animal welfare beyond domestic animals to marine life.

Bernard Lacerna, CEO of Besh Pet Products, was honored for promoting adoption and supporting solutions for stray cats and dogs through responsible business and advocacy.

From Leyte, Hon. Mildred Contapay, SB Member of Carigara, was recognized as a solo rescuer, compassionate public servant, and advocate for responsible pet care.

Verdalyn Lupango, Director of Animal Empathy Philippines, was honored for her courageous advocacy for farmed animals, vegetarian activism, and participation in national and international conferences advancing animal welfare.

Hon. Dr. Rosalyn Cabuco, City Councilor of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, was recognized for supporting rabies control and animal welfare programs in her city.

Aux Commander Dr. Mae Juliet Dela Cruz, Medical Officer IV and anesthesiologist at Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center, was cited for her extraordinary compassion as a physician who personally supports the veterinary needs of her rescued cats.

Dynabelle Grace Lopez, founder of GSIS Pet and Animal Welfare Society, was recognized for creating programs to save stray animals within GSIS and for promoting compassion within government service.

Hon. Irene Biteng, Punong Barangay of Barangay Proper Minuyan, San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, was honored for educating her community on responsible pet ownership and animal care.

Maria Gigi Cabato, a Zamboangueña entrepreneur, producer, director, and solo rescuer, was recognized for combining advocacy and action in promoting animal welfare.

Marilyn Estareja was honored. Inspiring rescue journey,caring daily for stray animals and maintaining 34 rescued dogs and 30 cats,proving how individual compassion is among the next generation.

AUX Lieutenant Commander Lourdes Delos Santos Colobong was honored for being a dedicated solo Rescuer ,a recipient of the Noble Award 2021 and a certified responsible pet owner and animal welfare advocate.

Entrepreneur and cat lover and rescuer Tristan Martin Sta. Ana was honored for supportíng TTSOI’s mission to produce children storybooks promoting animal welfare advocacy,helping shape compassion among the next generation.

Pet Fashion Influencer Adrian Stephen Cabuhat recognized for using social media and pet fashion to encourage responsible and loving pet ownership.

Serving as guest speaker and presenter was LTJG Andy Miguel G. Basa PCG of the Coast Guard District National Capital Region – Central Luzon, who underscored the connection between service, discipline,environmental protection,and compassion for all living beings.

The evening was more than an awards ceremony- it was a movement. It affirmed that compassion is not confined to shelters or rescue groups,but can thrive in government offices, hospitals, media institutions,communities and even private homes.

As the First Gawad Malasakit sa Hayop concluded, organizers expressed hope that the recognition would become an enduring platform that honors those who prove that heroism can be measured not only in service to people but also in the kindness to the voiceless. With its successful inaugural staging, Gawad Malasakit sa Hayop has set a powerful precedent that in the Philippines, compassion has heroes and they deserve to be celebrated.

This article also appears in the Manila Standard