The Philippines has a lot of diverse cultural traditions and festivities. We respect these traditions, but we must also respect the rights of animals (RA 8485 as amended by RA10631).

In the recent videos and photos circulating in social media about one of the activities during the Baliw Baliw Festival of Olango Island, Mactan Cebu. It was horrifying to see that one of the kittens seemed dead while it was held by someone. Another picture showed another kitten and a puppy. In image search results, you could see other animals used as well in the previous years of the same festival.

It is with this specific activity that we are calling for the Banning of the use of animals during the Baliw Baliw festivities.

We are open to talk with the Lapu Lapu City Government and Veterinarian, the Olango Island Parish Priest and Barangay officials, and the organizers of the festival, and other stakeholders regarding this issue. We can all help one another to look for a possible substitute for that activity and help educate the people about animal rights .

We may not be able to change it overnight, but we are hoping for a better response so we don't have to subject the animals to this unnecessary treatment in the future.