A pet blessing in Quezon City on October 4, 2026. Francis Orcio, ABS-CBN News
MANILA — As Catholics marked the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi on October 4, pet owners in Quezon City gathered with their beloved companions for a blessing, while animal welfare advocates used the occasion to highlight responsible pet ownership and a broader call to care for all living creatures.
The celebrations coincided with the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis, the patron saint of animals and the environment.
At the Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Parish in Quezon City, pet owners gathered with their animals for the church’s annual pet blessing, a tradition it has held for more than two decades.
'Alaga' bill mandates imprisonment, fine for animal abuse and neglect
The activity, held as part of the parish’s celebration of St. Francis’ feast, was also linked to the Season of Creation, a period observed by Christian communities to reflect on humanity’s responsibility to care for the environment.
“With the season of creation during the feast of St. Francis, kaya iyong pag-pet blessing, sinamahan ng mas malalim na pagtingin. At kung responsible pet owner ka, dapat makakalikasan ka rin. Ang campaign natin is for the upcoming El Niño, and taking good care of our water resources,” said Deng Ferrer-Carrillo, stewardship ministry coordinator of the parish.
The parish also partnered with animal clinics to provide free veterinary services, including anti-rabies vaccination and deworming. A mini pet show was likewise held for the participating animals.
Dr. Macky Brix Bondoc, a veterinarian from Tails of Joy Animal Clinic based in Quezon City, said the event was an opportunity to bring pet care closer to owners who may have difficulty attending to their animals’ routine health needs.
“Nakakatuwa rin makita iyong mga pet parent bine-bless din kasama iyong pets nila. Priority natin iyong anti-rabies and deworming. Kasi iyon 'yong kadalasan na hindi naaasikaso ng pet parents, kasi nga busy,” Bondoc said.
For the parish, however, the celebration was intended to go beyond blessing pets. It also sought to encourage owners to extend their concern to animals regardless of their breed, appearance, or economic value.
11 pets rescued near ground zero of deadly Baguio landslide
“Kagaya ni St. Francis, hindi lang mga mamahaling pets ang minamahal niya, kundi ang mga normal, mga regular. Kapag meron ka kasing puso for the pets, naniniwala ako, na dapat meron ka ring puso sa lahat ng klase ng hayop o mga inaalagaan. Hindi natin sila pinababayaan,” Ferrer-Carrillo said.
A pet blessing in Quezon City on October 4, 2026. Francis Orcio, ABS-CBN News
The message of compassion also carried into another World Animal Day gathering in Quezon City, led by the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS).
The event drew an estimated 300 to 400 pets and their owners, with activities, giveaways, and surprises for the animals. A Mass commemorating the feast of St. Francis was also held, followed by a pet blessing.
PAWS has been marking World Animal Day for more than two decades, using the occasion to encourage the public to recognize animal welfare as part of everyday responsibility and compassion.
PAWS executive director Atty. Anna Cabrera said the celebration was meant to connect people’s religious beliefs with how they treat animals.
“Ang aim nitong event is to encourage people to be kind to animals. Kasi, alam namin na marami talagang Katoliko o religious, pero hindi nila nai-ta-tie in iyong kindness, and iyong golden sa animals din,” Cabrera said.
MMDA, Manila inaugurate senior citizens’ and pet park
She said the gathering also emphasized the value of pets in the lives of their owners.
“Our pets are one of the biggest blessings to us. Really, ang emphasis talaga [nitong event] ay ang pet blessing, and they are a blessing to us as well,” Cabrera said.
RELATED VIDEO: