ThePalawan Animal Welfare Foundation, Inc.(PAWFI) recently organized a mobile sterilization mission inSan Vicente, in the province of Palawan, Philippines. This initiative is part of the organization's ongoing efforts to promote animal welfare and humanely control the stray or domestic dog and cat population.
San Vicente, a coastal municipality known for its pristine beaches and rural communities, faces the classic challenges of island areas: an uncontrolled increase in pets and strays, often linked to limited access to veterinary care. The PAWFI, a Filipino-Belgian foundation active for many years, regularly deploys mobile clinics to provide free or low-cost services directly to residents.
During this intervention, an initial estimate reported approximately 125 animals sterilized in a single day. This mission was initiated by Ms. Susannah Watt and fully funded by her, while the veterinary team and volunteers from PAWFI ensured its technical execution. A temporary surgical facility was set up – usually in a local gymnasium or community space – to perform sterilization surgeries (ovariectomy for females, castration for males) on dogs and cats.
During this mobile intervention, the veterinary team and volunteers set up a temporary facility – often in a local gym or community space – to perform sterilization procedures (spay for females, neuter for males) on dogs and cats. These operations not only help limit the birth of unwanted litters but also contribute to reducing associated health issues (mammary tumors, uterine infections, testicular cancers) and mitigating certain problematic behaviors (straying, fighting, territorial marking).
Owners were able to accompany their animals, who received appropriate post-operative care before returning home. This mobile approach, requiring rigorous logistics (transport of sterile surgical equipment, anesthesia, medications), demonstrates the foundation's concrete commitment to the remote areas of Puerto Princesa, its main headquarters.
These photographs illustrate the real environment of such missions: careful preparation of the animals, surgical intervention in suitable conditions, and positive interaction with local communities.
Through actions like this, the Palawan Animal Welfare Foundation sustainably contributes to improving the living conditions of animals and raising awareness among the population about responsibility towards their four-legged companions. Similar events are regularly organized in different localities of Palawan; interested individuals can follow the foundation's official Facebook page to learn about upcoming dates and participation details.
A great respect for the work done by the team and the volunteers on the ground.
A big thank you to Ms. Susannah Watt who initiated and fully funded this operation.