On February 10, the Provincial Government of Bohol, under the leadership of Governor Aris Aumentado, received representatives of Biyaya Animal Care during a courtesy call at the Capitol.
The delegation was welcomed by Vice Governor Nick Besas, together with Chief of Staff Atty. Filipina Asoy-Piollo.
Biyaya Animal Care is a nonprofit organization that provides free spay and neuter services for cats and dogs in communities nationwide to address animal overpopulation, improve animal welfare, and promote responsible pet ownership.
The delegation was led by Rina Ortiz, CEO and co-founder of the organization, and was joined by volunteer veterinarians Dr. Bernadeth Ina So, Dr. Heidi Delorino, Dr. Clark Denver Turqueza, Dr. Arah May Virtucio, Dr. Alfred Diaz, Dr. Zhannen Rodriguez, and Outreach Officer Harvin Pagadduan.
The courtesy visit focused on coordinating the implementation of Biyaya Animal Care’s upcoming free spay-and-neuter outreach program in the Province of Bohol, scheduled from February 11 to 16.
The activity will cover selected local government units, namely Tagbilaran City (February 11–12), Panglao (February 13), Dauis (February 14), Loon (February 15), and Tubigon (February 16). A total of seven (7) volunteer veterinarians will be deployed to conduct the procedures and provide postoperative guidance to pet owners.
During the meeting, Atty. Asoy-Piollo affirmed the Provincial Government’s support for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between government agencies and non-government organizations in advancing animal welfare and public health.
She further noted that the activity will be implemented in close coordination with the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian, headed by Officer-in-Charge Dr. Meydalin Paman, to ensure compliance with veterinary standards and effective service delivery.
This initiative forms part of the Provincial Government of Bohol’s continuing efforts to promote responsible pet ownership, manage animal population growth, and enhance community health and safety, aligned with the Strategic Change Roadmap of the Aumentado–Besas administration.
The partnership with Biyaya Animal Care underscores the province’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable development, consistent with its designation as a UNESCO Global Geopark. (𝐏𝐈𝐌𝐎/𝐑𝐉𝐆)
