Community Animals Partners and Welfare Advocates UP - CAPWA UP

𝗘𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝘆 highlights a growing problem: many plants and animals are disappearing at a faster rate than ever recorded in history. Human activities such as pollution, deforestation, illegal wildlife trade, and climate change are some of the major causes of this alarming decline. Recognizing this day helps us bring awareness to these threats and reminds us why protecting biodiversity is important to every single one of us.

Around the world, the IUCN Red List reports that more than 𝟰𝟴,𝟲𝟬𝟬 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻. From habitat destruction to overexploitation, these pressures continue to push many species closer to extinction. Each species plays a role in its ecosystem, so when one is lost, it can cause a domino effect, impacting other organisms and disrupt natural processes.

In the Philippines, we are recognized as one of the 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱’𝘀 𝗯𝗶𝗼𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗵𝗼𝘁𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁𝘀 due to our unique geographical location. It is home to over 𝟱𝟮,𝟬𝟬𝟬 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘀, many of which are endemic. However, this richness comes with a responsibility, as 𝗮𝘁 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝟳𝟬𝟬 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗱. Iconic species such as the Tamaraw, Visayan Warty Pig, Sulu Hornbill, and Philippine Eagle reflect both the beauty of our biodiversity and the risks it faces due to habitat loss and human pressure.

Protecting them does not always require grand actions. It can begin with awareness, respect, and small everyday choices that reduce harm to nature. By supporting conservation efforts and appreciating our local flora and fauna, we help ensure that future generations can still experience the beauty and richness of life around us. We must always remember that 𝘄𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗮 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗻𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲, 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝘀𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗶𝘁.

“What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” - Jane Goodall

🌿🌏❤️‍🩹



References:

International Union for Conservation of Nature. (n.d.). About the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. https://www.iucnredlist.org/about

Philippine Clearing House Mechanism. (2019). Biodiversity. https://www.philchm.ph/status-of-philippine-biodiversity-2/

Philippine Clearing House Mechanism. (2019). Threatened species. https://www.philchm.ph/list-of-threatened-species/

🎨🖌️: Yuan Bugay
📝: Nikki Cortez

Have you ever noticed that whenever we look under a parked car, there is most likely a dog or a cat? Well, here are the explanations why they do such a thing:

Cats prefer warm places like under vehicles, and even inside the engine bay. According to Maria Celina Lugti-Megilla, DVM of the Pawsh Vet pet shop (2017), cats, scientifically known as Felis catus, have high body temperature, which is why they need dark and moderately hot areas as shelters, wherein they could nap in peace and in warmth (Carpena (2017).

Similarly, dogs can be found under cars, as well, for four (4) different reasons: First, being hidden and seeing every foot that passes by makes them feel safe and secure. Second, unlike cats who like heat, dogs use cars as a sun blocker. Third, dogs love the smell of mechanical parts. Lastly, as we all know, dogs are usually naughty, and that is why being under a car makes them feel like hunters waiting on a surprise attack on cats and other more animals (Why Dogs Love To Lay Under Cars, 2016).

Evidently, all these are part of their nature; hence, it is our responsibility to always stop, drop, and look before starting the engine and driving away!

REFERENCES:

Carpena, T. (2017, December 22). Why do cats take shelter in your car’s engine bay? Top Gear Philippines. https://www.topgear.com.ph/features/tip-sheet/cats-car-engine-bay-a00055-20171222

Why Dogs Love To Lay Under Cars. (2016, August 26). Dog Cat Place. https://www.dogcatplace.com/dogcaretips/why-dogs-love-to-lay-under-cars

🎨🖌️: Elice Braga
📝: Aliyah Cassandra Geraldez

Good news! 🐾

Gigi and Tappi have already been ✨adopted✨ and are now in their forever homes! 🧡

Thank you to everyone who supported and helped our UPSE furr-iends find loving families 🐶🐱

But many more campus strays are still waiting for a place to call home. Check out the lovable cats and dogs around UPD who are still available for adoption!

Remember 💚

Ready to welcome one into your life? 🙌 See the adoption process and applications here:
https://forms.gle/fTv3napKTxL3hWCfA

A fun playdate with the adoptable UP Diliman campus animals awaits you! If you’re curious to adopt and wondering what their personalities are like 🐕🐈 , then grab the chance to schedule an unforgettable playdate! ✨️

🗓 May 1, 2026 - May 29, 2026 (except Sundays)
📍 Student Union Building (SUB), UP Diliman

Here are some guidelines for participants:
-This is 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 for UP students, faculty members, and staff only.
-Playdates must be 𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝘁 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗻𝗲 (𝟭) 𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗶𝗻 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲. The schedule of the playdate would depend on the availability of the volunteers.
-Each playdate will include a 𝗺𝗮𝘅𝗶𝗺𝘂𝗺 𝗼𝗳 𝟯–𝟰 𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗹𝘀 to ensure proper supervision.
-Participants are required to sign a 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗮𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿 form prior to the activity, acknowledging guidelines and safety protocols.
-Each playdate will last up to 𝟭 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗿 (please make sure to be on time).
-The 𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗯𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗰 𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗺𝘀 such as toys, water bowls, and sanitation materials to support and ensure safe interaction.
-🟢 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗸: https://forms.gle/Vi87nJq15jgFMhwT8
-✅️ A confirmation email will be sent once the schedule has been approved.

Our lovable campus animals hope to meet you too! See you! 💚

Meeooow~

Last April 14, CAPWA held its AKWE: MEOWfusand Committee wARFs along with the MEOWrkado: Pawninda ni Aling Ming for a Purpose! 😸

A little event for both members and applicants of the org took place as a fun acquaintance party organized by the Team SocDev of the Internal Affairs Committee. Along with this, a booth was set up by the Finance Committee that sold various items where earnings will be used for our campus animals!

Til next time! Stay tuned for our future events! 👀💚

Curious to meet one of UPD’s success stories? 👀

Meet Kwek-Kwek (formerly known as Garfield)🐱 Once a campus cutie waiting for his forever home, he’s now happily adopted and living his best life 🏡❤️

From tambay sa campus to being someone’s baby, Kwek-Kwek’s story is proof that every animal deserves a second chance.

His journey shows how a little love can change everything 💛 And while Kwek-Kwek has found his happy ending, many more of his furry friends are still waiting for theirs 🐾

Support 💚

𝑵𝒐 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒑𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒑𝒆𝒕𝒔 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍 𝑽𝑬𝑻-𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒃𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝑽𝑬𝑻𝑺! 🩺

With that, let us recognize and greet them this World Vet Day! 🐶🐱

Veterinary is a well-honored profession due to its care for animal welfare and its relevance to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Their services, whether they are private vets, public vets, or para-vets, are key to ensuring and improving implementations of actions and programs for animals. To expound, the well-being of animals is crucial to the future of agriculture; hence, veterinarians are significant to the economy as well (Doyle, Wieland, Saville, Grace, & Campbell, 2021).

But, wait! There’s more… Veterinary professionals are respected because they work for the betterment of both the welfare of animals and humans. This is in terms of biomedical research, food quality, food safety, food security, ecology, ethology, parasitology, research on pharmaceuticals, and many more (Cáceres, 2012).

That is why they deserve the appreciation for a whole day, and even for every day! 🙌

References:
Cáceres, S.B. (2012). The roles of veterinarians in meeting the challenges of health and welfare of livestock and global food security. National Library of Medicine. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4299976/

Doyle, R.E., Wieland, B., Saville, K., Grace, D., & Campbell, A.J.D. (2021). The importance of animal welfare and Veterinary Services in a changing world. World Organization for Animal Health.https://www.woah.org/app/uploads/2021/08/402-10-doyle.pdf

🎨🖌️: Nicole Angeline Ang
📝: Aliyah Cassandra Geraldez

Today, April 22, we celebrate a special day recognizing our responsibility as stewards of our planet — it’s 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐋𝐃 𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐇 𝐃𝐀𝐘! 🌍

Earth Day is an annual event raising awareness on environmental issues such as pollution, deforestation, climate change, endangered species, among others. It calls for a collective action on advocating for sustainable practices which, now more than ever, is crucial in preserving the planet’s resources for future generations.

With this year’s theme being “𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿, 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗲𝘁,” the campaign focuses on forwarding clean energy, encouraging increased accountability for environmental damage, and promoting community-scale climate solutions.

𝗔𝘀 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘄𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀, 𝘄𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗮 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆. On World Earth Day, CAPWA UP calls you to make this planet habitable not just for humans, but also for the animals counting on our planet’s natural resources for survival. 🌿

Sources:
National Geographic (n.d.). Earth Day. https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/earth-day/
Nature and Culture International (2026, March 30). Why do we celebrate Earth Day?. https://www.natureandculture.org/why-do-we-celebrate-earth-day/

🎨🖌️: Andeng Co
📝: Janelle Baui

Curious to meet UP Diliman’s cutest? 👀

Here is the updated roster of our loveable campus animals! 🐕🐈 While they are certified the cutest in the campus, these cutiepies are ready to be in the comfort of a home 🏠 and definitely ready to show off their personalities ✨️ Check them out below! 🫶

Support 💚

Interested to adopt? See the process and applications here: https://forms.gle/fTv3napKTxL3hWCfA

#𝗔𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗠𝗲𝗼𝘄𝗕𝗮

It’s hard trying to figure out what a certain bark or purr means.

Duolingo doesn’t offer lessons either in pet language. This is why it’s important to be mindful of the nonverbal ways our furry companions communicate with us.

References:
Koehler, R. (n.d.). Reading animal body language: an informative guide and quiz. https://www.24pet.com/blog/reading-animal-body-language
Lifeline Animal Project (9 August 2024). Understanding animal behavior: teaching kids pet safety cues. https://lifelineanimal.org/understanding-animal-behavior-teaching-kids-pet-safety-cues/

🎨🖌️: Derek Reynaldo Verunque
📝: Jasma Wenna Valerio