Beyond the bright lights of the entertainment industry, Jodi Sta. Maria’s heart beats for a cause close to her soul: Animal welfare.

This year has brought not only the launch of her highly- anticipated YouTube channel but also a significant new role for the well-loved actress — the celebrity ambassador for the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), the nation’s oldest and most respected animal welfare organization.

The official announcement came with the heartwarming launch of PAWS’ “Puso Para sa Puspin” (Heart for the Native Cat) campaign, held last 24 March at Ayala Vertis North. Radiating genuine enthusiasm, Jodi shared her feelings about this new chapter: “I feel so happy, grateful and humbled by this. To be able to be the voice for these beautiful creatures. I’m just so elated to be part of PAWS and ng campaign nila na ‘Puso Para sa Puspin’ (and their campaign for native cats) because for the longest time, pusakal ang tawag natin sa kanila. Pero sila ay pusang Pinoy (for the longest time these stray cats were known as street cats) kumbaga worthy din sila at deserving din sila ng love and care nating mga human beings (but they are worthy and deserving of being loved by humans). So we’re really advocating for compassion and kindness for these beautiful creatures.”

Jodi revealed that her involvement with PAWS stemmed from a personal desire to help. “Ang ginawa ko, nag-private message on their social media account and I asked them kung paano ba ako makaka-help (how I could help) in my own little way. Until one day, it happened. So I was able to meet the people behind the organization na talaga naman pinasalamatan ko din dahil din sa puso sa paglaban nila at sa pagiging boses nila sa mga animals (I thanked them for being the voices behind the animals).” Her proactive approach highlights her genuine commitment to the cause.

PAWS’ dedication extends beyond rescuing and rehabilitating animals and providing crucial low-cost spay and neuter services at their shelter. The organization also stands as a vital advocate by offering free legal assistance for animal abuse cases, ensuring that justice is sought for vulnerable creatures.

For Jodi, rescuing animals isn’t a newfound passion. She has been quietly extending a helping hand to animals in need since 2014. She expressed her hope that her partnership with PAWS will significantly improve the perception and treatment of native Filipino cats, often overlooked in favor of foreign breeds. A key message she emphasized during the “Puso Para sa Puspin” launch was the critical importance of spaying and neutering cats within communities.

“Most of them are rescued from the streets. They are either abused or they were abandoned. PAWS actually rescues these animals and, of course, I know that there are a lot of people who do the same. ‘Yung pinaka importante is yung pagpapakapon (But what is most important is the spaying or neutering of the cat). We really believe na ‘yung pagpapakapon (getting the cat fixed) ang solusyon sa problema natin sa cat homelessness and cat overpopulation (is the solution to the homelessness and overpopulation of the cats),” she passionately explained.

This compassion extends to her own home, where Jodi and her son Thirdy have welcomed rescued animals as cherished family members. “It’s funny because I’m not only a fur mom to Naia (a cat rescued from the airport), but meron din akong mga aspin na ni-rescue (I also have dog recues). Sabi ko nga, si Thirdy is now a kuya (Thirdy is now a big brother). So we call him kuya Thirdy and then there’s kuya Naia, ate Lily, and then baby Z. ‘Yun na ‘yung family (laughs),” she joyfully shared, painting a picture of a home filled with love for all creatures, regardless of their origin.

With Jodi Sta. Maria lending her influential voice and compassionate spirit, the “Puso Para sa Puspin” campaign is poised to make a significant impact on the lives of countless native cats in the Philippines. Her dedication serves as an inspiring reminder that every creature, no matter how humble, deserves a loving home and a life free from suffering.