Benguet Indigenous People Attend Animal Welfare Awareness Drive amidst alleged viral animal cruelty videos relating to the use of animals in the performance of ritual
It has been twenty-six years since the Animal Welfare Act was passed into law. While the efforts of the animal-loving community have resulted in improved awareness, understanding, and acceptance of the animal welfare concept, there are still certain areas where animal welfare has not been given much attention like the use of animals in religious rituals and practices.
Just recently in 2024, two incidents shocked the pet and animal welfare community and jolted it into action. On August 23, 2024, a Facebook post caused confusion and wrath as “Live Dogs and Rabbit (Live and Dressed) for sale,” were being sold. Upon clarification, the dogs were allegedly sold as pets while the rabbits were sold as pets and meat. On September 5, 2024, a gruesome video depicting dogs being slaughtered for meat circulated online. Both events were in La Trinidad, Benguet. Here in the northern part of our country where history and cultural traditions are often misunderstood or frowned upon, a collective awakening called upon to finally reflect and understand indigenous practices and how it applies to the Animal Welfare Act.
Last December 11 and 12, 2024, in response to the clamor among animal welfare groups, Animal Kingdom Foundation together with the Office of the Provincial Veterinary Office of Benguet Province, the Department of Agriculture along with the Department of Agriculture - CAR, the Department of Interior Local Government, the Provincial Prosecutors Office upon the initiative of the Office of the Provincial Governor and Board Member Benjamin Palbusa, held a two days information education campaign to raise awareness about animal welfare, the provision of the law and existing guidelines in the use of animals in the conduct of religious, cultural practices and traditions.
The two-day Information Education Campaign (IEC) was coordinated as a united front to come up with guidelines for the welfare of the animals that aim to foster a collaborative environment that respects our cultural and religious traditions and raises a broader perspective on the conduct of Indigenous rituals.
With 576 attendees from 140 Barangays, the speakers were led by Atty Heidi Caguioa, a pioneer lawyer on animal welfare practice, where she discussed the Law on Animal Welfare and its basic concepts. As AKF’s Program Director, she reiterated that the IEC is important to ensure a better appreciation of why animal welfare matters in the community along with the significant role of animal welfare in the economy, health, and environment citing the One Welfare Concept.
Other speakers include Atty. Richard Antero of the Provincial Prosecutors Office, Dr. Henry Salasa of the DA-CAR, Regina Mammag, Provincial Director of DILG, and Board Member Hon. Benjamin Palbusa, PMR - Province.
Board Member Palbusa, an Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative for the province himself explained that the rituals should be properly conducted in accordance with the authentic practice and specified sacred places. He also discussed the importance of upholding the law on Animal Welfare or RA 8485 as amended during the conduct of indigenous rituals. An open forum was thereafter held which was an enlightening discussion of misunderstood information in relation to the law.
The stakeholders were reminded of their incredible task of ensuring the implementation of the Animal Welfare Act, upholding the DILG Memorandum Circular 2024 - 126, Anti Rabies Act, and submitting the list of recognized elders who can perform the native rituals and Indigenous Rituals they practice. As an output, more IEC will be conducted and the provincial government is looking at drafting the Manual of Procedures to guide the IPs should an animal, like a dog be used in the conduct of religious rituals or practices.
Atty. Heidi Caguioa said “More than 10 years ago, the words Cordillera, dog meat, and tribal traditions, together could spark a contentious debate from a diverse group of people. Emotions are often high and statements are met with ridicule, mockery, disgust, anger, and confusion. The IEC on the observance of RA 8485 during the conduct of Indigenous Rituals is a monumental step in the advancement of animal welfare in the Philippines"
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