Ampon Alaga: Compassion in Action

IN the heart of Baseco, one of Manila's most impoverished communities, an extraordinary event unfolded on November 30, 2024. Thanks to the combined efforts of the Rotary Club of Manila (RCM), its charitable arm, the Rotary Club of Manila Foundation, Inc. (RCMFI), and the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Asia, hundreds of companion animals received much-needed care in a free sterilization and vaccination clinic. This initiative, aptly named "Ampon Alaga," reflects a shared vision of compassion, community upliftment, and responsible animal guardianship.

The Ampon Alaga Project: A Vision for Change

Ampon Alaga, the companion animal welfare branch of PETA Asia, focuses on rescue, adoption, spay and neuter services (locally known as "kapon" and "ligation"), and veterinary care for indigent communities. Its mission aligns with addressing the pressing issue of overpopulation among stray cats and dogs, which plagues Metro Manila. Homeless animals are a common sight, left to scrounge for food and water while navigating the dangers of street life. Financial barriers prevent many Filipino families in areas like Baseco from accessing even the most basic veterinary services for their pets. This leads to a rapidly growing population of stray animals, increased risks of disease transmission, and heightened community health concerns, including the threat of rabies.

Recognizing these challenges, the Ampon Alaga project organized a one-day clinic with an ambitious goal: to provide free sterilization and vaccination services to 500 animals. This noble endeavor aimed not only to curb overpopulation but also to educate residents about responsible animal guardianship.

Baseco: A Community in Need

Baseco, officially Barangay 649, is home to nearly 60,000 residents living in cramped conditions. It is estimated that 70% of the 13,000 families in the area own at least one cat or dog, translating to a staggering population of over 9,000 companion animals. Most of these animals roam freely, adding to the community's already significant challenges.

In 2023, PETA Asia held a similar clinic in Baseco, sterilizing 304 animals. However, the overwhelming demand for services left many residents on a waiting list, hoping for another opportunity. This year, with the financial support of RCM and RCMFI, the Ampon Alaga team returned to Baseco to address this urgent need.

An Extraordinary Collaboration

The November clinic, held in a covered court within the community, was a testament to what collaboration can achieve. A team of veterinarians, supported by over 50 volunteers, sterilized and vaccinated 373 animals. This included 247 cats (125 males and 122 females) and 126 dogs (79 males and 47 females). Veterinary students played a critical role, administering vaccines, cleaning ears, and trimming nails, while volunteers managed administrative tasks, prepared vaccines, and monitored animals in the recovery area.

Each animal received rabies vaccinations and treatments for common health issues like mange and flea infestations, ensuring their well-being beyond sterilization.

Funding the Mission

The clinic was made possible through a generous donation of ₱ 339,000, covering surgery, rabies vaccinations, and operational logistics. The expenses broke down as follows:

Surgery Costs: ₱ 151,200 for 126 dogs and ₱ 98,800 for 247 cats

Vaccinations: ₱ 18,650 for rabies vaccines

Transport: ₱ 5,500

Volunteer Meals: ₱ 7,800

Miscellaneous Costs: ₱ 5,000 (sanitizing supplies, cleaning materials, stationery)

The total expenditure was ₱ 286,950, leaving a remaining balance of ₱ 51,050. PETA Asia, led by its Director, Canadian Ashley Bruno, has proposed several impactful ways to utilize the surplus, including treatments for dogs with TVT cancer, a bulk purchase of 1,021 rabies vaccines, or funding the next clinic in Mandaluyong on December 14, 2024.

Transformative Impact

Beyond the numbers, the clinic's impact resonates deeply within the Baseco community. It not only addressed the immediate health needs of animals but also alleviated the financial burden on their guardians. Moreover, it contributed to public health by reducing the risks associated with stray animal overpopulation and rabies transmission.

The presence of over a dozen Rotarians from RCM highlighted the club’s unwavering commitment to making a difference. Their active participation underscored the importance of partnerships between organizations like PETA Asia and civic groups such as RCM in addressing pressing social and environmental challenges.

A Call to Action

While the Ampon Alaga project has made significant strides, the journey is far from over. With more clinics planned and an ever-growing need for services, support from compassionate individuals and organizations is vital. Those interested can contribute by sponsoring future clinics, funding treatments for sick animals, or supporting PETA Asia’s broader initiatives. The success of the Ampon Alaga project serves as a powerful reminder of what is possible when communities come together with compassion and purpose. It is a call to action for everyone to play a role in creating a world where every companion animal is loved, cared for, and valued.

As Rotary Club of Manila President Jujut Enriquez aptly puts it, "Ampon Alaga is not just about sterilizing animals; it's about transforming lives—both human and animal—and building a more compassionate society."

Looking Ahead

The partnership between RCM and PETA Asia exemplifies how innovative collaborations can address systemic issues and create lasting change. Together, they have set a remarkable precedent, inspiring others to contribute to the noble cause of animal welfare and community health.

Ampon Alaga is more than a project; it is a movement of hope, compassion, and shared responsibility. It reminds us that even in the most underserved areas, love and care can thrive, changing lives one animal—and one community—at a time.