P10-M Animal Welfare Program included in proposed 2026 National Budget — Pangilinan

Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan on Saturday announced that the proposed 2026 national budget includes a P10-million allocation for the Animal Welfare Supervision and Accreditation Program, marking its first inclusion in the national spending plan.

Pangilinan said the program aims to professionalize animal welfare enforcement by supporting standards development, inspections, and accreditation of animal welfare organizations and facilities, particularly those involved in rescue and shelter operations.

According to the senator, the allocation is intended to improve the treatment and care of rescued and sheltered animals while providing institutional support to legitimate and functioning animal welfare organizations.

“Layunin ng programang ito ang mapalawak ang pagtingin at pag-alaga sa mga animal rescues o nasa shelters ng makatao at sa ligtas na paraan. Susuportahan nito ang mga legit at gumaganang animal welfare orgs (This program would start expand the program that looks after rescued and sheltered animals, while also backing legitimate and functional welfare organizations on the ground),” he said.

Pangilinan, a member of the bicameral conference committee and Vice Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, said the measure builds on long-standing efforts to strengthen animal welfare protection and enforcement in the country. 

In 2012, he sponsored amendments to the Animal Welfare Act that increased penalties for animal cruelty and neglect.

He also cited continued collaboration with animal welfare groups, including the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), in improving policy and enforcement mechanisms. Separate advocacy initiatives have also supported animal rescue fundraising efforts through non-government organizations.

The senator said the proposed program seeks to address gaps in enforcement by ensuring consistent standards and oversight, while helping authorities distinguish credible organizations from unregulated operations.

“Binabalik tayo sa lupa ng mga karanasang ito tuwing may policy debate — binabalik sa araw-araw na responsilidad at pagmamahal. Kasama ang tamang pangangasiwa at akreditasyon, naaalagaan natin ang mga hayop, nasusuportahan natin ang mga legit na rescuers, at nagiging mas patas at consistent ang pagpapatupad ng batas (This experience grounds policy debates in everyday responsibility and compassion. With proper supervision and accreditation, we protect animals, support credible rescuers, and make enforcement fair and consistent),” Pangilinan said.

If approved, the Animal Welfare Supervision and Accreditation Program will begin implementation in 2026 as part of the national government’s budget framework.