Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian is optimistic that the agency’s tie-up program with the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) dubbed “Angel Pets” will further affirm the efficiency of animal-assisted therapy in the Philippines.

“Animal-assisted therapy is a unique concept in the Philippines. It’s been done before, but not in an institutionalized and sustainable way. We hope this program will demonstrate its positive effects and boost public trust in this approach,” Gatchalian said during the re-launch of Angel Pets at the Sanctuary Center in Mandaluyong City on Wednesday.

Initially launched during the PAWS’ anniversary in October 2024, the Angel Pets program is designed to aid rehabilitation and reintegration in vulnerable groups by incorporating positive and enjoyable animal interactions into therapeutic and supportive processes in selected DSWD centers and residential care facilities.

The Angel Pets has three components: ALAGA (care), which stands for Adaptive Life Assistance Given by Animals; ARAL (learn) or Advocacy, Research and Learning; and LUNAS SURI or Healing Assessment.

ALAGA includes the deployment of PAWS’ Dr. Dogs to DSWD residential care facilities; while ARAL, the technical side, and LUNAS SURI is focused on raising awareness of this initiative and developing in-house assessment tools to monitor and evaluate therapy progress.

“Animal-assisted therapy has shown positive effects in other countries. Our pilot program will formalize its implementation while ensuring that we follow the proper processes,” Gatchalian said.

The DSWD chief said plans are already on the way to expand the reach of this program following its initial six-month pilot testing.

The pilot implementation was launched on Nov. 16, 2024 in Marillac Hills–National Training School for Girls, a center that provides residential care and rehabilitation for minor girls aged seven to 17 who are either survivors of sexual abuse, human trafficking, or children in conflict with the law.

Angel Pet sessions were also conducted last Dec. 7 for women at the Sanctuary Center, which serves as a home and refuge to women 18 years old and above, who have been abandoned, neglected, or are living with psycho-social disabilities.

Gatchalian said he is upbeat to see how the program pans out and contributes to the growth and expansion of cutting-edge approaches like animal-assisted therapy.

The PAWS echoed Gatchalian’s sentiments, saying the project brings out the best in their respective expertise to make a positive difference in society.

“We are very thankful to Secretary Gatchalian because this partnership opens up vast opportunities for us to promote our Dr. Dogs program, and contribute to the healing of people who need it the most,” PAWS Executive Director Cabrera said. (PNA)