It was a Sunday of blessings on 6 October as the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) celebrated 70 years of advocating for animals at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall, with a day filled with activities to delight animal lovers and thank their supporters.

Animal welfare has grown,” began Anna Cabrera, executive director of PAWS. “In the old days, there weren’t many animal welfare groups, and pet adoptions were unheard of.”

She reflected on a time when PAWS was the sole voice speaking out against the cruelty of electrocuting dogs, a practice carried out by the Manila City pound. Today, Cabrera noted, if such a practice were attempted, millions of netizens would condemn it. “Change does happen, but it takes decades of education and campaigns,” she said. “There’s a saying: ‘In the battle between the rock and the stream, the stream always wins, not through strength but by persistence.’”

And so it was at the PAWS 70th celebration, which began with free spay-neuter services and rabies vaccinations for aspins and puspins. An Animal Legal Assistance Help Desk was also set up, where PAWS volunteer lawyers provided free legal support for cases of animal cruelty.

“Celebrity animal advocates Alden Richards, Janella Salvador and Joey Mead-King were presented with the Golden and Platinum Paw Awards,” highlighting their roles as advocates.

The award recognizes individuals and companies that have helped the organization raise awareness about the importance of animal welfare and responsible pet ownership. Other awardees included Pet Express, Vets in Practice, artist Robert Alejandro, writer Kathy Moran, photographer Doc Marlon Pecjo, Ayala Malls Vertis North, pet photography studio Frisky Pawtraits, creative director Arne Sarmiento and Don Bosco priest Rev. Father Jose Antonio Paras. Special citations were also presented to animal-assisted therapy volunteers Jennie Panes and Jennie Cerrada, as well as PAWS’ longest-serving staff members, Greg Ferry and John Tangkeko.