The Goal:

To secure the legislation and immediate implementation of reforms through Cebu City leadership—led by Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival, Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña, and City Councilor Jun Alcover—that guarantee the humane and compassionate treatment of calesa horses in alignment with international welfare standards and Republic Act No. 8485 (as amended by RA 10630). This initiative establishes a future where Cebu’s cultural heritage is upheld with dignity, ensuring that tradition coexists in harmony with the welfare of all living beings.

The Problem:

Cebu City is celebrated for its rich history, with the calesa standing as a familiar symbol of our colonial past. As this tradition continues, there is a growing need to place greater focus on the welfare of calesa horses—ensuring that their care, working conditions, and overall well-being are fully aligned with humane and responsible standards.

Many of these horses suffer from:
1.   Physical Exhaustion: Working long hours without adequate rest or shade.
2.  Malnutrition & Dehydration: Lack of access to clean water and proper feed during shifts.
3.  Passenger Overloading:  Horses are forced to pull 7 people, causing rapid exhaustion and heart strain.

4. Structural Strain: The rear-leaning design acts like a seesaw, pushing the heavy wooden shafts down onto the horse's neck and back. This 'downward force' may lead to painful sores, spinal misalignment, and long-term lameness.

5. Lack of Timely Veterinary Care: While routine six-month check-ups are conducted, horses requiring treatment for wounds, illness, or malnutrition may not receive prompt medical attention, as these conditions cannot wait for the next scheduled inspection.
6.  Safety Hazards: Navigating heavy traffic without proper safety regulations, endangering both the animals and the public.

The Appeal:

We respectfully call for the enactment of the following measures:

1. Strict Load and Rest Limits. Limit passengers to a maximum of four (4) adults and require regular rest intervals during shifts, particularly under extreme heat or heavy rain.
2. Adequate Nutrition and Hydration. Establish and enforce minimum feeding standards to ensure that all calesa horses receive sufficient, species-appropriate nutrition, along with continuous access to clean drinking water, supported by regular monitoring and compliance checks.
3. Designated Rest Areas.  Establish shaded rest stations with reliable access to clean drinking water at all major calesa terminals.
4. Proper Equipment Standards.  Prohibit the use of “kabilya” (rebar) for hoof protection and require properly designed, balanced calesas that minimize strain on the horse’s neck and back.
5. Continuous Veterinary Access.  Establish an on-call veterinary response system and a dedicated fund for free or subsidized emergency care, ensuring prompt treatment for sick or injured horses beyond routine six-month check-ups.
6. Driver Training and Certification.  Require owners and drivers to undergo mandatory training in animal welfare and humane handling practices.
7. A Vision for the Future.  Develop a phased transition toward electric heritage vehicles—modeled after systems such as those in Intramuros—ensuring that kutseros retain their livelihoods while horses are gradually retired to safe, humane environments such as sanctuaries and public parks.

FINAL WORD

Cebu is a city built on faith, history, and shared humanity. For generations, calesa horses have carried not only passengers, but the living memory of our past. They have served quietly and faithfully—now, their well-being calls for our attention.

A truly proud heritage is one that uplifts both people and the animals who have helped shape it.

Please sign and share this petition to ensure a more compassionate future for Cebu’s calesa horses.