For the Love of PAWS: VP Choice Awards Champions Animal Welfare
This year, VP Choice Awards named the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) as its official beneficiary, shining a spotlight not just on celebration, but on compassion in action.
For VP Choice Awards, it was never just about trophies or titles. It was about choosing a cause that reflects the values of its community. By partnering with PAWS, the platform extends its reach beyond digital screens and into real lives; the lives of animals rescued, rehabilitated, and given a second chance.
A Voice for the Voiceless
For seven decades, PAWS has stood at the forefront of animal welfare in the Philippines. But for Atty. Anna Cabrera, Executive Director of PAWS, their mission goes deeper than rescue operations.
“This mission of protecting animals is actually connected with promoting peace in society,” Cabrera shared. “If we prevent cruelty to animals, then we are also fighting violence at the very root.”
She explained that cruelty toward animals often reflects patterns that later show up in communities.
“Yung mga nanakit ng hayop, sila din later on ang nagiging troublemakers sa barangay. Sila rin yung later on yung gumagawa ng krimen towards other people.”
For PAWS, protecting animals also means speaking up for those who cannot defend themselves.
“Kasama din sa kategoryang yun yung mga animals, kasi nga they cannot speak for themselves.”
At the heart of their mission is active prosecution of animal cruelty cases. Bringing abusers to court is part of preventing further harm. But their work does not stop there. PAWS also promotes humane education and “kapon” programs to encourage responsible pet ownership and reduce neglect.
Teaching compassion and enforcing the law will prevent the cruelty.
Integrity and Compassion in Action
As a non-profit organization, PAWS anchors its advocacy on two core values: integrity and compassion.
“Our core values really are integrity and compassion,” Cabrera emphasized. She acknowledged that accountability matters, especially in today’s climate. “Even if we’re a non-profit and then we ask for money, we’re compliant with all the requirements para makikita din ng donors namin where the donations go.”
Transparency keeps their mission relevant, especially to young supporters who want to see real impact. Volunteers are welcomed at the shelter. Donors can see where contributions go.
“It’s very important for them to see a dynamic organization… that we are transparent.”
Compassion remains their guiding light. But Cabrera believes lasting protection requires a shift in mindset.
“Pag mayroong inaaping animal, we want to be able to respond with compassion. The thinking that we are superior to animals… that is not the thinking that should prevail.”
She reminds us that we are “fellow creatures of this earth.” When we recognize that animals feel pain and suffering, cruelty becomes harder to justify. That awareness, she believes, pushes society to do better not only for animals, but for the planet as a whole.
From Advocacy to Action
PAWS began in 1954 at a time when animal rights were barely recognized. One of the earliest driving forces of the organization was the fight against the dog meat trade.
“It was the dog meat trade that propelled this advocacy forward,” Cabrera shared. What started as resistance to cruelty evolved into stronger legal protections, including the Animal Welfare Act of 1998.
Public participation played a crucial role then, and it still does today. Public participation is very important in shaping animal welfare laws she said. Without citizens writing to lawmakers and speaking up, reforms would not have happened.
Beyond legislation, PAWS also calls for responsible pet ownership. “Having a pet is a lifetime commitment,” Cabrera reminded. “If you’re not prepared to go all the way until tumanda sila, then please do not get a pet.”
Instead of buying from breeders, she encourages adoption. Please adopt rather than shop.
Being named beneficiary of the 7th VP Choice Awards carries deep meaning for PAWS.
“Yung pagiging VP Choice Awards beneficiary, malaking bagay ‘to sa amin,” Cabrera said. With the awards’ wide social media reach and the support of celebrities and partners, their advocacy gains a stronger platform. “It’s already a big push to help voiceless animals have a louder voice.”
To seal this partnership, a contract signing was held on February 20, 2026, at the PAWS Rehabilitation Center in Quezon City, with Josh Austria, COO and Head of Advertising; Inyi Yruma, Creative Director of VP Choice Awards; Atty. Anna Cabrera, PAWS Executive Director; and Jino Esteban, PAWS Advocate, in attendance.
Now, that voice grows stronger with you.
As you support your favorite nominees at the VP Choice Awards through Facebook Stars, remember that a portion of the proceeds will go directly to PAWS and their rescue efforts, legal work, education programs, and shelter operations.
Because when recognition meets responsibility, even a simple click can help change a life.
