Iloilo City continues to strengthen its reputation as a progressive and compassionate urban center as the city government formally partnered with the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) to boost humane animal welfare efforts through an expanded Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (TNVR) program.
The partnership was formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement signed on February 9, 2026, led by Mayor Raisa Treñas and UPV Chancellor Dr. Clement Camposano. The collaboration reinforces the city’s ongoing PAWtect program, which promotes responsible pet ownership while addressing stray animal populations in a humane and sustainable manner.
Mayor Treñas emphasized that the initiative is part of the city’s broader commitment to both pet owners and animals under the PAWtect program. “Under our Protecting Animals and Welfare Through Education, Care, and Treatment or PAWtect program, we are able to give both the fur parents and their pets proper help and care,” she shared.
The mayor added that the partnership with UP Visayas expands the city’s capacity to implement humane solutions. “Sini nga hapon, we’re very glad nga may dugang kita nga kaupod sa sini nga kawsa,” Treñas said, referring to the signing of the agreement covering the TNVR program, including operations within the UPV Iloilo City Campus.
Under the agreement, the Iloilo City Veterinary Office will continue to provide medical services including spaying, neutering, and rabies vaccination, while UPV will support operations by providing venues, volunteers, campus security, and post-operative care assistance.
“This collaboration aims to manage stray animal population, protect residents and biodiversity from rabies, kag mangin safe ang campus for both humans and animals,” the mayor noted.
City officials emphasized that the initiative not only helps control stray animal populations but also contributes to public health and community safety, especially in preventing rabies and animal-related incidents.
Treñas also expressed gratitude to the university for supporting the program, saying, “Salamat, UP Visayas, for standing with the City Government in promoting responsible pet ownership, public health, and humane treatment of animals. Let’s continue working for a community where both people and animals thrive.”
With the partnership between local government and academe, Iloilo City aims to serve as a model for other localities seeking humane, science-based solutions to animal population management while fostering a safer and more compassionate community for both residents and animals.
