Understanding Farmed Animals and Advocates in Action:
Lupango shed light on the term "farmed" animals, emphasizing their exploitation for agricultural purposes. She narrated that farmed animals are usually mentioned in the news, citing examples like rabbits used as pork alternatives and cockfighting as a form of entertainment in the Philippines. She also mentioned that there are not a lot of laws protecting farmed animals, as compared to companion animals. Despite the lack of legislation for farmed animal rights, Lupango expressed hope, drawing on data that showcased Filipinos' care for both companion and farmed animals. Some advocacy efforts including a 300-strong Animal Rights March and the innovative work of vegan chefs reimagining Filipino dishes showcased the growing momentum for change.
What AEP has learned so far:
AEP emerged as a crucial force in farmed animal advocacy. Operating not only in Manila but also in provinces, AEP supports Filipino advocates in reducing the suffering of farmed animals. The organization prioritizes effective communication, supports advocates' initiatives, and actively engages in lobbying efforts.
Lupango shared the organization’s key learnings, emphasizing on the importance of presenting a clear picture of animal suffering, providing avenues for advocacy, recognizing Filipinos' concern for animal causes, and building a supportive community. She also mentioned AEP's commitment to investing in people's potential, which underscores AEP’s mission to drive meaningful and sustainable change.
Moving forward
Lupango ended the talk by urging the audience to rally behind AEP's impactful initiatives. She encouraged active participation through community membership, social media engagement, and collaboration with AEP's partner organization, the Pansigedan Advocacy Cooperative (PAC). PAC brought along Benguet farmers, along with a bounty of fresh vegetables from the region.
Lupango's presentation did not only shed light on the prevailing challenges of farmed animal advocacy in the Philippines, but it also showcased its vast potential in the Philippines. Her statements created a striking picture of an empathetic future driven by the collective efforts of farmed animal advocates and organizations like AEP.
AEP’s Executive Director shares the connection of farmed animal advocacy and climate action at VegFest Pilipinas 2023
Written by Jane B.
The recent Vegan Festival Pilipinas 2023 (VegFest 2023) served as a platform for meaningful discussions on the intersection of animal welfare, and climate action. Among the presenters was Animal Empathy Philippines' (AEP) executive director, Kate Lupango, who shared her insights from her talk entitled, "From Seeds to Solutions: Vegans as Catalysts for Animals and Climate Action."
Vegan Journey and Challenges:
Lupango began her presentation with her journey on becoming vegan, which sparked during a coastal cleanup activity where she realized that animals do suffer. This experience propelled her to research on animal rights, and abide by the values of not inflicting suffering on humans and animals. Her transitioning to veganism was made easier by the accessibility of an array of vegan products in Metro Manila, and a social circle that embraced her transition. Despite these advantages, she acknowledged external challenges, such as a lack of support beyond her immediate network and the need for more avenues to advocate for animal rights.