MANILA, Philippines 鈥� The Professional Models Association of the Philippines (PMAP) recently marked the month of love with an outreach activity at Pawssion Project Animal Shelter in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan.
PMAP President and Department of Justice (DOJ) Undersecretary Margarita Gutierrez shared that for over a decade, the organization has held annual outreach programs to encourage models to go beyond their profession and become future nation-builders.
鈥淭his year, we asked our members where they wanted to hold the outreach, and they overwhelmingly chose an activity with animals, as many of them are passionate animal lovers,鈥� Gutierrez said.
Around 20 PMAP models took part in the outreach program, where they learned about Pawssion Project鈥檚 mission and history.
Founded by Malou Perez, the Bulacan shelter currently cares for over 200 rescued dogs.
During their visit, the models toured the facility, listened to the heartbreaking stories of some rescues, and took part in various tasks鈥攊ncluding bathing the dogs, cleaning the shelter, and feeding the animals.
The experience was especially moving for Gabbie Delgado, a devoted animal lover.
Deeply touched by the shelter visit, she is seriously considering adopting two dogs.
鈥淚 want to give him a better life. I鈥檒l take him to the farm where he鈥檒l be cared for and loved,鈥� she said.
She also encouraged others to visit Pawssion Project facility.
鈥淭hese animals have so much love to give. If you open your home to them, they鈥檒l bring immeasurable joy into your life.鈥�
Sabina Gonzalez also shared her heartfelt experience with Pawssion Project鈥檚 rescued animals, emphasizing the importance of extending love to them, especially this Valentine鈥檚 season.
鈥淎nimals embody true unconditional love. We feel it through them, we see it in them. While they may be just a part of our lives, we are their whole world. Showing them love and care鈥攇enuine effort from the heart鈥攊s one of the purest ways to celebrate this season of love,鈥� she said.
Pawssion Project caretaker Rachel Cribello expressed her gratitude to PMAP models for dedicating their time to the rescues.
鈥淣apakalaking tulong sa amin nito bilang isang organization na umaasa sa tulong at donations ng iba鈥檛-ibang mga grupo. Maraming, maraming salamat sa pag-extend ng help sa amin鈥搒a pagpakain, sa pagpaligo, at sa pakikipag laro sa aming mga aso. Sana po mas marami pang makatulong sa aming organization,鈥� she said.
In addition to volunteering at the shelter, PMAP models donated over 50 sacks of dog and cat food, along with pet treats and essential supplies for the animals.
Gutierrez encouraged everyone to spend time this love month volunteering at Pawssion Project.
鈥淜ahit one day lang kayo, kahit a few hours, just play with them. I promise you, napakasarap ng feeling and at least you鈥檒l be able to help them feel na safe naman pala to be around humans,鈥� she said.
If you鈥檇 like to volunteer, foster, donate, or adopt, you may visit Pawssion Project鈥檚 website at .